Perspectives

Literary Perspectives

The short story “Hemi’s Gift” by TJ Corrigan is an example of New Zealand literature. 

New Zealand literature deals with themes and issues specific to the island of New Zealand such as landscape, isolation, and the New Zealand national identity. In the late 20th century, Māori writers started becoming more popular in the New Zealand literary field. Their works often included many aspects of Māori culture and language which became an essential aspect of New Zealand literature.

TJ Corrigan, a Māori writer herself, also includes aspects of Māori culture in the short story “Hemi’s Gift”, mentioning Māori traditions, popular media, and artists. Similarly, the story includes Māori words and mainly features Māori characters. One of the ...