I’ve got a lot of respect for Benji Marshall after hearing the news he’s coming home to Aotearoa next year. It’s a brave decision to leave a sport he’s comfortable in, has had so much success in , and take up a new sport, working from the bottom, with the possibility of “failure”. Benji’s step…
Kia orana and happy Cook Island language week everyone. One of my favourite moments in the Super 15 Final on the weekend was the haka the Chiefs did after the game. I love it when non-Maori show love and respect for Maori culture. That’s what we have to do more in Aotearoa. I believe our…
We have a saying in my Drama classes: “always say yes”. It’s to encourage us all to be brave, take risks, explore and try things. We might fail, but that’s fine . . . we learned something. I felt inspired today when I heard about a moment of bravery by Kiwi teenager Ella Yelich-O’Connor […
Just got home from watching Tu, stage adaptation of Patricia Grace novel, by Hone Kouka. Awesome play, the kind that you walk out of thinking “I wanna make something!”
Santana and Maycee helping me deliver copies of my new book Steppin with Benji Marshall.
I’ve been asked to present a workshop next week at the New Zealand Teachers of English Conference in Hawkes Bay. I always tell my students that the magic happens outside the comfort zone and to be brave, so I said ‘yes’ to that offer. But as the time gets closer to the conference those old…
If you want to see some local theatre on Tuesday come over to Tangaroa College. The Level 3 Drama class are performing Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Our version is set in ancient Samoa. Play starts at 6pm and entry is free.
This is my new motivational book for young people. It focuses on the challenges Benji has overcome in his life to become a successful person in his chosen career. If you would like to order a copy you can e mail me directly davidrileynz@gmail.com. The book costs $20, plus $3 for postage and packaging in…
Presented at South Pacific Language and Literature Conference on Friday. Man, intimidating! There I was, a palagi, speaking in front of Albert Wendt, Reina Whaitiri, Robert Sullivan, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Lani Wendt-Young, Grace Taylor, Michelle Johansson, Mua Strickson-Pua . . . Reina said that the work of palagi researchers and historians is “necessary but problematic”….
Having trouble finding interesting reading material for the young people in your life, especially boys? Look no further! As an English and Drama teacher I’ve worked with young people for 15 years and I know what they want to read about. Take a look around my site. I’m sure you’ll find something your young people…
