Introducing Jafa

Witi Ihimaera was the first Maori writer to publish a collection of short stories (Pounamu Pounamu, 1972) and a novel (Tangi, 1973). The Whale Rider was published in 1987 and became the inspiration for the major film Whale Rider that won international awards in 2002 and 2003.

So it feels right that a whale should be part of our new adventure, too.

Thanks to Caroline Hack, an erstwhile colleague in MLA, Jafa was conceived to mark my departure from Blighty. Jafa is dressed in MLA colours and is ready for the off; less to pack than me, but under orders to report to Caroline from time to time.

Jafa is named for those who know that Aucklanders occupy a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders: Just Another F(ine) Aucklander is presumably a term of endearment.

Jafa is a girl, just like Kahu, the star of Whale Rider. Kahu's great grandfather was the chief of the Maori in Whangara - a tribe that claims descent from the legendary 'whale rider'. In every generation a male had inherited the title of chief, but in Kahu's time there was no male heir, so she had to struggle to earn the right to lead her tribe to a bold new future.

Let's see how she gets on with sharing the adventures ahead.