Leader
Advocate
Raconteur
Family man
Academic
Peacemaker
Educator
Gamechanger
Rangatira
Sir Pita Sharples KNZM CBE, best known as the inspirational co-leader of the Maori Party, has led a trailblazing, influential and hugely colourful life.
Raised in smalltown Hawke's Bay, Sir Pita was educated at Te Aute College - in many ways the making of him. He was the first in his community to enter university, where he went on to carve a stellar academic career.
He has served as New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner, and of course a politician who enacted historic legislation and change, both as co-leader of the Maori Party and Maori Affairs Minister under the 2008 National Party coalition.
A fierce advocate for Maori, Sir Pita helped establish kohanga reo and kura kaupapa, in part spurring on the resurgence in Maori language and culture we see today.
My Story is rich with anecdotes, experience, storytelling, as well as Sir Pita's numerous achievements. It's a life story that, in many ways, mirrors the history of modern Maoridom.
This is a singular, fascinating and disarmingly personal autobiography of a hugely important New Zealander.
