Airana Ngarewa

Ngarewa, Airana (1994 – ) is a novelist, short story writer, and educator from Pātea, Taranaki. Of Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, and Ngāruahine descent, Ngarewa's upbringing was steeped in Mātauranga Māori and the rich history of his community. Initially a reluctant reader, he left school to pursue a career in cage fighting, achieving six national championships across four different sports. His journey into literature began after stepping away from combat sports, leading him to discover a passion for reading and writing.

Ngarewa's writing often explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of Māori life in contemporary Aotearoa. He contributes to publications such as The Spinoff, Radio New Zealand, the New Zealand Herald, Newsroom, and Landfall, focusing on Māori affairs and cultural narratives.

Ngarewa's work is characterised by its raw honesty and lyrical prose, often reflecting the struggles and triumphs of Māori communities. His narratives frequently address themes such as intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and the resilience of youth. By incorporating both English and te reo Māori, he bridges cultural gaps and invites a broader audience into the world of his characters.

Beyond writing, Ngarewa is an educator who has taught in various settings, including martial arts and secondary education. His unique background informs his approach to storytelling and teaching, emphasising discipline, cultural awareness, and personal growth.

His debut novel The Bone Tree (2023), held the number one NZ Fiction spot for eleven weeks overall. Other titles by Ngarewa include Pātea Boys / Ngāti Pātea (2024), a bilingual collection of interlinked short stories, along with a number of nonfiction titles, educational books, and poetry. His new novel, The Last Living Cannibal, is set to be published in 2025.