Tīpene: A Legacy Reborn - On Whakaata Māori & Māori+

A powerful new documentary traces the reopening of one of Aotearoa’s most influential educational institutions.

Tīpene: A Legacy Reborn, premieres Monday 23 March at 8.30PM on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+.

Directed by Kimiora KaireMelbourne – producer/director behind the award-winning series,Homesteads – this powerful documentary charts the longawaited reopening of St Stephen’s School (Tīpene), one of New Zealand’s oldest and most influential schools.

“I knew from the very beginning that this story was bigger than the reopening,” says Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne.

“Despite its turbulent history, Tīpene has produced generations of leaders who have shaped Māoridom and Aotearoa as we know it.”

“That legacy alone made it compelling. The fact that it is the oldest school in the country, with its cycles of growth, closure and renewal, meant there was already a layered history to draw from. The striking old buildings carried their own symbolism and presence on camera.” says Kimiora.

“What drew me in most, though, was the opportunity to explore the themes that sit beyond the school itself. The film became a space to hold a wānanga, to present differing perspectives, particularly around the enduring and complex relationship between Māori and hāhi.”

Established in 1844, Tīpene forged a legacy like no other, shaping generations of Māori men who went on to become leaders in politics, academia, iwi, business and public life.

Among its old boys are many notable figures, including Waihoroi Shortland, Shane Jones, Te Ururoa Flavell, Wayne Ngata, Rikirangi Gage, Selwyn Parata, Hirini Moko Mead Hone Harawira, Joe Harawira and Nathan Durie – and the late Kiingi Tuheitia. The kura was also a destination for boys from across the Pacific.

Given exclusive access to the rebuild process, and filmed over the pivotal period leading to its reopening in 2025, Tīpene – A Legacy Reborn weaves archival material, intimate recollections and present-day challenges into a compelling narrative.

From the emotional moments of old boys returning to the school grounds, to the urgency of designing an education model that’s relevant to today’s world, the film charts the complexities of rebuilding not just a school, but a legacy.

“The film explores the intergenerational relationship between Christian faith and

traditional Māori belief systems - how these worlds have met, merged and, at times,

sat in tension within Māori education,” said Kimiora KaireMelbourne.

“For me, the film doesn’t try to resolve that tension, it simply holds it up. Because how we interpret that relationship and our collective history influences what we carry forward, and what we choose to leave behind,” says Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne.

After 25 years of closure, Tīpene has reopened its gates to a new generation.

Notes:

About MĀORI+: MĀORI+ is the digital gateway to te ao Māori – a free streaming app that brings together the best in Māori storytelling, language, news, haka and entertainment. Designed with whānau in mind, the platform is easy to navigate, available across devices, and constantly updated with fresh content. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple store. Watch online at www.maoriplus.co.nz

About Whakaata Māori: Whakaata Māori is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national indigenous media organisation, dedicated to revitalising and empowering te reo Māori, culture, and identity through storytelling. Guided by the vision, kia mauriora te reo - a future where te reo Māori is spoken everywhere, every day - Whakaata Māori fosters an environment where the language and its cultural heritage can thrive.

Established in 2004, Whakaata Māori has delivered some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most cherished content, connecting audiences with stories that celebrate and uplift te reo Māori and Māori culture.

Māori Television trades under its reo Māori name to better reflect the role it plays in revitalising te reo Māori, our culture, and sharing our stories across multiple platforms. Whakaata means 'to mirror', 'to reflect' or 'to display.’
https://whakaatamaori.co.nz

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