Powerful, Intimate, Unforgettable Stories For Matariki Season– On Māori+ & Whakaata Māori

As we prepare to farewell the old year and welcome the rise of Matariki, Whakaata Māori is proud to present stories of transformation, inspiration and redemption in a new season of powerful, thought-provoking and deeply personal programmes. 

From the rugged landscapes of Te Waipounamu in the lifestyle series, NOMAD, to the quiet strength of wāhine Māori reclaiming their lives in the two-part documentary MOTUHAKETANGA. From the heart-warming story of whānau redemption in HĪKINA TE MĀNUKA to the incredible story of the building of Takahanga Mārae in THE BONES OF OUR PAST. 

Anchored in kaupapa-Māori and bursting with stories of triumph, connection and reclamation, this lineup invites all New Zealanders to reflect, learn, and celebrate Matariki  with humility, compassion, and aroha. 

And in August, relive the magic of DAN CARTER – A PERFECT 10 and revel in the metal of ALIEN WEAPONRY: KUA TUPU TE ARA. Wherever you find yourself, our compelling programmes shine a light on identity, legacy, healing, and the undeniable power of te reo me te ao Māori. 

COMING UP IN JUNE & JULY: 

MONDAY 2 JUNE 7.30PM: NOMAD – Follow Kahurangi, a young Māori nomad, as he journeys across Te Waipounamu in a stunning series that fuses documentary with modern lifestyle storytelling. Going off-grid to live as his tūpuna did, Kahurangi reconnects with whenua, whakapapa, and whānau — from cousins in Kaikōura to friends in the Haast bush – all while exploring what it means to live self-sufficiently in Aotearoa today. 

SUNDAY 15 JUNE 8.30PM: THE BONES OF OUR PAST – Honours the 30th anniversary of the wharenui Maru Kaitātea at Takahanga Marae, Kaikōura. Told through the voices of mana whenua, the film reflects on the enduring wisdom of Kāti Kuri kaumatua Rangi Soloman, who once said, “build the future of our people on the bones of our past.” A poignant and timely tribute to whakapapa and legacy. 

SUNDAY 15 JUNE 8.30PM: HĪKINA TE MĀNUKA – Enter the world of the Mānihera whānau — a family of 16 turning their back on intergenerational trauma to embrace te ao Māori with humour, heart and honesty. This observational factual series offers an uplifting look at healing through tikanga, whānau resilience, and determination to rise above the chaos. 

MONDAY 23 JUNE & 30 JUNE 8.30PM: MOTUHAKETANGA – a powerful and intimate two-part documentary tracking the transformative journeys of Arohatonu, Tristin, and Lesley — three wāhine Māori preparing to leave prison and rebuild their lives. Motuhaketanga unflinchingly examines the justice system, the scars of colonisation, and the immense courage it takes to reclaim independence (motuhaketanga), self-determination, and whakapapa. 

MONDAY 7 JULY 8.30PM: NO ORDINARY SHEILA – The daughter of a ranger and an artist, this documentary unfurls the life story of the adventurous, extraordinary, multi-talented Sheila Natusch — writer, naturalist, and trailblazer. 

MONDAY 14 JULY 8.30PM: SHE SHEARS – In the tough world of competitive sheep shearing there is no ‘women’s section’. Women and men compete together. This documentary provides a glimpse into the lives of the nation’s toughest wāhine – professional sheep shearers breaking stereotypes. 

MONDAY 21 JULY 8.30PM: MANA MOANA MANA TANGATA – The story of how the Māori fishing industry was saved is a universal one. It's a testament to Māori tenacity and a good old David vs Goliath battle, fought in the oceans and around the board table. 

MONDAY 28 JULY 8.30PM: DAN CARTER – A PERFECT 10 – He’s the country boy who became an international rugby superstar. This film gives a unique and personal insight into the poster boy of the All Blacks, and includes behind-the-scenes access to Dan Carter and his family, tracing the journey from rural New Zealand to the top of the world.

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