A Fire In Your Belly: Maori Leaders Speak

by Paul Diamond

`If you were to ask me about the nature of leadership in terms of what I've learned, you've got to have a fire in your belly for an outcome' - Sir Tipene O'Regan

What makes a Maori leader? Traditional Maori leadership roles, like the rangatira who had the final say in nearly every area of tribal life, no longer apply - tribal affairs have become so complex that different skills are required at different times; national affairs require new vision and tactics.

At a time when Maori leadership is criticized in some quarters as self-serving, greedy and inept there six dynamic Maori leaders who have proven themselves through decades of service to their people speak candidly of those who have influenced them and the experiences that shaped their lives and galvanized them for the challenges of leadership. Their stories fuse public triumphs with private passions - sailing, art, rugby and family; education, language and land.

A Fire in Your Belly is drawn from interviews with remarkable individuals; Sir Tipene O'Regan, Whatarangi Winiata, Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, Sir Robert Muhata, Hirini Moko Mead and Pita Sharples, who have united, mobilized and led their people on the path towards Maori language revival, cultural renewal, the settlement of Treaty claims and, ultimately, Maori self-determination.

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003