Downplaying plagiarism inappropriate

Philosopher Joseph Hall said “A reputation, once broken, may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep its eyes on the spot where the crack was”.

It’s a particularly relevant quote given the damage that’s been done to New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera’s reputation following his admission of plagiarism.

Quite why such a distinguished author as Ihimaera, who’s acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s undoubted literary elite, and a professor of literature at Auckland University, would plagiarise another author’s work is baffling. I say ‘undoubted’ but of course, Ihimaera’s admission of plagiarism raises massive doubts about his motives and character.

Auckland University’s decidedly luke-warm response to the plagiarism has been interesting. Are they, perhaps, less interested in the morals and ethics of the case, and more interested in avoiding having their own reputation tarnished by being associated with the author? If that’s the case, they’ve misunderstood how seriously New Zealanders and others worldwide view Ihimaera’s admission.

Likening the plagiarism to drug-cheating in sport is entirely valid. By failing to reprimand Ihimaera in any meaningful way, Auckland University has done nothing to dispel any notion of favouritism and elitism. Far from cooling the embers, the University has added fuel to the fire and this scandal is set to burn on and on.

Noted New Zealand comedian and speaker Terry Williams’ tweet was right on the button when he said

“I wonder if Witi Ihimaera uses Twitter? Does he know it has a retweet function?”

Online or offline, passing off elements of another author’s work as one’s own is unacceptable. For such a high-profile author to do so is outrageous. Issues of integrity, ethics, creative originality and fair play are all called into question.

Google has a knack of retaining such information indefinitely, which is more the pity for Ihimaera. Type ‘Witi Ihimaera’ into Google, searching anywhere in the world, and four of the top five search outcomes reference his plagiarism. Not a good look for a professional author.

Joseph Hall’s words ring true and the shadow of doubt that has been cast over Ihimaera will take a long time, if ever, to remove.