Witi Ihimaera is a trailblazing award-winning writer and his books have enriched us for the past 50 years. Now in his 80s he's released Te Kaikaukau, The Swimmer: I te Ao o te Reo which explores his recent full immersion in Te Reo Māori. Witi Ihimaera says when he was a student the rangatahi around him 'had his back' while learning the language.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details