Performer, presenter, teacher, journalist, author, Maori language expert, passionate cultural advocate and champion of traditional knowledge - Chris Winitana has long been a a force to reckon with in our cultural and communication landscape.
Taught by his elders traditional knowledge including, oratory, genealogy, weaponry, performing arts, composition, storytelling and the transmission of knowledge, Chris has been involved in performing arts for almost 30 years. He is a senior judge of Kapa Haka.
Comfortable on both sides of the camera, he co-hosted Maori Television’s current affairs shows Te Tepu and Paepae with son Tupoutahi.
A prolific author, Chris has written many stories, articles and songs.He won the Maori Language Award in the 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards. Most recently he has written a breakthrough children’s picture book about Ngātoroirangi. He has also played an important part in the development of young Maori journalists.
