She taught English literature at the University of Auckland and at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for many years, and has co-edited several notable anthologies of Polynesian writing, including Whetu Moana: Contemporary Polynesian Poems in English (2003), which received the Reference and Anthology award in the 2004 Montana New Zealand Book Awards.

[2] After having a son during a short early marriage, she spent time travelling overseas and learning languages, including four years in Germany.

[1][2] Together with Linda Tuhiwai Smith she edited a journal of Māori women's writing, Te Pua, published in three volumes between 1992 and 1994.

[4] Together with Albert Wendt and Robert Sullivan, Whaitiri co-edited the poetry anthologies Whetu Moana: Contemporary Polynesian Poems in English (2003, Auckland University Press) and Mauri Ola: Contemporary Polynesian Poems in English (2010, Auckland University Press).

[9] Before the ceremony, The Press described it as likely to be "clear winner" of its category, noting that it "breaks new ground by energetically exploring the new voices of the Pacific".