Manuel has been a member of Whanake Rangataua, a Māori martial arts group based in Wellington, which has provided opportunities for Māori street kids. Manuel was in his teens when he wrote this poem; it was included in a collection of poetry by Whanake Rangataua members compiled by Apirana Taylor.
Biographical sources
- Taylor, Apirana. "Introduction." Landfall 41.4 (1987): 411.
Other
- "Proud to be Māori." Landfall 41.4 (1987): 421.
- In this assertion of his Māori identity Manuel regrets his inability to speak te reo Māori and recalls his mother’s generation being punished for speaking Māori at school. Manuel contends that te reo Māori should never have been banned in schools and envisions a the time when he will be able to speak the language.