- Attended Gisborne Boys' High School.
- Father is Thomas (Tom); daughter is Olivia Ihimaera-Smiler.
- Ihimaera is Maori for Ishmael, which was given to his ancestor upon the arrival of the Missionaries over a century ago. However, Smiler is derived from the mispronounciation of Ihimaera.
- Best friend was Taunoa Kohere, the late New Zealand poet, to whom Witi dedicates many of his books.
- June 7 2004 - he was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This is the New Zealand equivalent of a knighthood, but does not include the title Sir.
- Is related by marriage to the Queen. In August 2004, his nephew Gary Christie Lewis married the Duke of Gloucester's daughter, Lady Davina Windsor, at Windsor Castle. The Duke of Gloucester is the Queen's first cousin.
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