'The Child' is about a young mature Maori boy, Heta, taking part in the responsibility of taking care of his Nanny. Even though traditionally it is Heta's families responsibility to care for his Nanny, Heta becomes her companion and keeper.
             Heta's love for his Nanny plays a very important role in this short story, as it reflects his devotion and determination of he Maori tradition of supporting the elderly. Heta does not worry about his Nanny's affliction, or what his classmates think about her.
             "Those other people, they never saw my Nanny the way I did. Some of the kids at school would make fun of her. But I didn't care. I had my Nanny, I didn't need anybody else."
             Heta's Nanny had reverted to childlike behaviour in her old age but Heta maintained his support and respect for her. Heta shows his support and respect for her by playing along with her pretend games and accepting trivial gifts.
             The short story 'The Whale' contrasts with 'The Child' as it is about an old man experiencing the loss of Maori culture around him. He sees the loss of respect and aroha, and remembers Maori as once being noble.
             The old kaumatua is the last of his generation and sees the Maori world change. His family is not honouring culture and are disrespecting the old man's aroha towards the whanau.
             "This village was once a proud place, ringing with joy. But now many of the houses lie deserted. The fields are choked with weeds. And the sound of children laughing grows smaller each year."
             The lack of aroha and respect to the Wharenui is shown by the description of the Wharenui: "Now the reed work is falling apart. The paint is flaking from the swirling kowhaiwhai designs. And the floor is stained with beer."
             When the old kaumatua finally realised that the Wharenui was disrespected he was deeply ashamed of himself.
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