Whangara cheers for Keisha

By AINSLEY THOMSON

At Aunty Bumpy's house in Whangara the conversation was so animated and the preparation of the celebration feast so meticulous that the television in the corner of the lounge beaming the Academy Awards was almost forgotten.

But, just in time, everyone rushed into the room, with its walls covered in Whale Rider memorabilia, to catch a glimpse of Keisha Castle-Hughes.

Crowded on the couch were Wikitoria Matete, 73, Elizabeth Nikora, 64, Hone Taumaunu, 74, and Heni "Aunty Bumpy" Leach, 72.

All four have a special connection to Whale Rider and Keisha - the women all acted in the film and Mr Taumaunu was the film's cultural adviser.

Three years ago when the film was shot at their tiny beach settlement 20 minutes north of Gisborne, they got to know Keisha - the girl they refer to as their "little Maori girl".

Yesterday was a day of nerves and excitement.

As they waited to see if she had won the best actress award, the chatter ranged from memories of the film, details of Aunty Bumpy's remarkable collection of Whale Rider memorabilia from the film, and plans to bring Keisha "back home" to Whangara for a visit.

"Right before our eyes she has grown up," said Mrs Nikora. "You see her in those beautiful frocks and you would think she was about 18."

Clad in her black Whale Rider crew T-shirt, Aunty Bumpy flitted around her home explaining the mementos, which included a painting Keisha drew for her, a trophy from the film crew for simply being their Aunty Bumpy, and numerous cards.

Then finally the moment they had been waiting for came.

"There she is. There she is. There's our girl," yelled Aunty Bumpy as Keisha's face came on the screen.

The disappointment was clear on their faces when she did not win, but it was quickly replaced with big smiles.

Said Mr Taumaunu: "We are absolutely proud and thrilled for her. And we still say she was a winner."