Ockham award-winning writer Whiti Hereaka's most memorable sunrise was during a visit to Yangshuo, China. Photo / 123rf
Ockham award-winning writer Whiti Hereaka's most memorable sunrise was during a visit to Yangshuo, China. Photo / 123rf
The Ockham Award-winning writer shares her favourite holiday memories
What are your strongest memories from the first overseas trip you ever took?
I don't have to cast my mind too far back for my first overseas trip – it was only nine years ago. I was invited to take part in the International Writing Programme at Iowa University. I've been lucky that my work as a writer has allowed me to travel but until very recently travel overseas was too far out of reach for me.
What was a standard family holiday like when growing up?
We'd visit Auckland maybe a couple of times a year and drive up from Taupō. It was usually during term, so my sister and I had packages of schoolwork that we brought with us. So, we'd do some schoolwork and then spend most of the time on the motel's trampolines.
I spent a month in Guangdong hosted by Sun Yat-sen University and yes, the places we visited were amazing, the food was incredible but what really made it for me were the people: our generous hosts and the other writers I met at the residency.
And the worst?
The worst experience so far has been customs at LAX – so I guess I'm lucky!
What destination did you dream of most while borders were closed due to the pandemic?
I didn't! I was very happy to be home in Aotearoa.
What's your approach to packing for a big trip?
"What clothes can I sacrifice for books and gifts?" and "Can I lift this bag by myself?"
Ockham award-winning writer Whiti Hereaka, who is one of the guest speakers at the upcoming Word Christchurch literary festival. Photo / Supplied
What is the destination that most surprised you – good or bad?
Having grown up on a steady diet of movies and TV from the US I expected it to be more … united? I visited six states while I was there, and each had very distinctive landscapes and cultures.
It is more the feeling of "I can't believe I'm here" coupled with a bit of jetlag (because that's the only reason I see the sunrise!) than the sunrise itself. I've felt that way twice: in Yangshuo, China and in Sofia, Bulgaria.
What's the first thing you do when you get home from a long trip?
Make a cup of tea, tell myself I'm not going to nap, unpack, shower, tell myself that all I needed was a shower and now I feel fine and I don't need to nap, remember that I made a cup of tea, stare into the distance because I'm too tired to think or move, leave the cup of tea on the bench and take a nap.
What do you miss most about home when you travel?
Speaking in my normal, mumble-y New Zealand accent – I usually break out ye olde theatre Received Pronunciation when travelling so people can understand me.
Where is the one destination you must see in your lifetime?
I've never really thought of travel for myself – I go where I am invited.
What's your favourite thing about travel?
I've met some amazing people – and I love to hear the stories of a place.
Whiti Hereaka (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Tumatawera, Tainui, Pākehā), author of the 2022 Ockham award-winning novel, Kurangaituku, is one of the guest speakers at literary festival Word Christchurch, August 27 to September 15. For a full programme go to wordchristchurch.co.nz
