Taking Maori Stories to the World

13 April 2004 – Whale Rider star Rawiri Paratene visited Hawaii in mid-April to discuss cultural themes in the film and NZ as a tourist destination. “Whale Rider has been a boom for Maori filmmakers,” said Paratene, who is now writing dramatic segments for the newly instated Maori television network. “It’s a validation that our stories can reach the world and affect people.” To conclude his Star Bulletin interview Paratene described co-star and Oscar nominee, Keisha Castle-Hughes, as “New Zealand’s best marketing tool.”