This week on Kiwi Yarns, I sit down with legendary New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. From The Whale Rider to The Matriarch, Witi's work has shaped generations of readers. But at 80 years old, he made a remarkable decision: to return to school and immerse himself in te reo Māori.The conversation moves from language and identity to climate change, leadership, ageing, courage and the importance of lifelong learning. Witi reflects on the moment that challenged him to begin writing in te reo, the rangatahi who helped carry him through a year of full immersion study, and why doing hard things keeps us alive. Along the way there are stories about whales, family, books, pounamu and what it means to leave the world a little better than you found it.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices