Indigenous 100 Podcast

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Meet Mea Motu. Hailing from the humble town of Pukepoto in Te Tai Tokerau, she's Aotearoa's most successful boxer, holding an undefeated 20-0 record. This is her story.

Ranked 4th in the UFC flyweight rankings, Kaiwhare Kara-France embodies the resilience of a true warrior. With 24 wins under his belt, he's undeterred by setbacks, including controversial losses.  Descended from Waikato, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngārauru, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi, Kara-France infuses his fighting spirit with the teachings of his ancestors. A proud Māori who wears his heart on his sleeve, he honours his heritage through te reo Māori and tikanga both in and out of the octagon.  Having turned to martial arts after facing childhood bullying, Kara-France now champions its values across Aotearoa. Besides his professional fighting career, he coaches the Warriors NRL team, enhancing their wrestling technique for UFC 300.  Training at CKB City Kickboxing alongside UFC legend Israel Adesanya under coach Andre Baremen, Kara-France embodies comradery and dedication. In a candid podcast with Julian Wilcox on Indigenous 100, he shares insights into life's challenges, juggling fatherhood, marriage, and fighting while promoting Māori culture.  Kaiwhare Kara-France's journey exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and embrace their cultural heritage.

Dive into the remarkable career of New Zealand rugby league figure, Adam Ngawati Blair. . A former professional rugby league player and coach, Blair excelled as a prop, second-row forward, and lock in the NRL, representing both the New Zealand and New Zealand Māori international teams. Starting with his junior football days at Northland Carvers and education at Whangarei Boys' High School, Blair was recruited by the Melbourne Storm at 16. His journey led him to Brisbane, where he played for the feeder club Norths Devils, alongside Greg Inglis during his time at Wavell State High School. Having played for the Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, and the New Zealand Warriors, Blair faced various challenges throughout his career. He was part of the New Zealand team that won the 2008 World Cup and showcased his leadership skills as the team's captain. His contributions to Rugby League were acknowledged with the appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021.  Explore the depth of Adam Ngawati Blair's sporting journey here on Indigenous 100.

Jenny May Clarkson, a well-known broadcaster and host on Breakfast TV, was born and raised in the Waikato region. Prior to her career in the media industry, she served as a police officer and was also a successful athlete, having played as a Silver Fern centre and touch player.    Interestingly, Jenny May's journey to the world of television began when she participated in a singing competition in Waikato, where she was discovered and her talent was recognized. Since then, she has made a name for herself as a prominent television personality, admired for her professionalism, charisma, and engaging on-air presence.    Despite her busy schedule, Jenny May is a devoted māmā to her whānau and tamariki, and she takes great pride in her role as a mother. Her commitment to her family and her work is truly admirable, and she is a great inspiration to many.   In this episode of Indigenous 100, we sat down with the talented and dedicated woman to learn more about her beginnings as a broadcaster, her time as a sportswoman and more.

Sir Hirini Moko Mead is a well-known Māori leader in Aotearoa; highly respected for his expertise in te reo Māori and te ao Māori. In 2007, he received the title of Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to Māori culture and education over the decades.    Sir Hirini started his career as a teacher and artis, serving as a principal at various schools and later taught anthropology at several international universities before returning to New Zealand in 1977. He established the first Māori studies department in the country. Later in his career, Sir Hirini became a prominent Māori advocate, representing several tribes in negotiations and serving on advisory boards. He has authored several publications on te ao Māori and currently chairs the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.    We had the privilege of talking to this extraordinary Māori leader about his life, achievements, and more.

At just 21 years old, Hana Maipi-Clarke has accomplished so much.  She received her education at Te Wharekura o Rākaumangamanga in Huntly and even published a book called Maahina, which delves into the Māori lunar calendar known as maramataka. She was then invited to give a speech on the footsteps of Parliament in celebration of 50 years of the Māori Language Petition and now - she is the youngest politician in Parliament in 170 years for Te Pāti Māori.    The young Hana Rawhiti acknowledges the movements in Māori history that have paved a way for her - Te Kīngitanga, Kōhanga reo and Te Petihaa Reo Māori and more. With a whakapapa full of Māori who have been pioneers in some of the greatest activism movements in Aotearoa, Hana Rawhit feels inspired and supported in stepping up to the challenge of being in parliament and bringing the young people of her electorate and beyond with her.    We had the privilege of speaking with this future change maker and wahine Māori who is part of the direction moving forward for young Māori.   This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke

Mark Kopua is one of the most famous tāmoko artists and carvers in Aotearoa, known for the many wharenui he has carved and the countless people he has marked, admired amongst Māori as an artistic visionary who has dedicated himself to the work he does for over 40 years.    From growing up in the small communities of the east coast under the tutelage of his grandparents, to travelling the country for countless kaupapa and sharing the knowledge he has learned over the years with other people who share a passion for his work - he has served as a keeper of knowledge, driven with the purpose of bettering the lives and mentality of his people all across the country.    In this episode of Indigenous 100, we talk to this master artist about Māori artforms, what it was like growing up in a Māori speaking community, the mental health work he has done over the years and how his experiences have helped shape not only who he is but his craft as well.    This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Mark Kopua

A WOMEN OF JUSTICE   Annette Sykes is a remarkable figure in New Zealand's legal and political scene. Her journey began during a political protest in Wellington in the 1980s. Since then, she has fearlessly fought for the rights of Māori interests and indigenous rights for the past 40 years, both in New Zealand and internationally. Annette is known for her exceptional legal skills and unwavering commitment to social justice.    Despite facing criticism and backlash from both Pakeha and Māori communities, Annette remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, earning her the respect and admiration of many in the legal and political world.   Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with Annette to discuss her thoughts on the current constitution and the need for change. She spoke candidly about the challenges of being a Māori woman in a predominantly Pakeha legal system and stressed the importance of having a constitution that reflects the diverse cultural identities of Aotearoa.    This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Annette Sykes. 

Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, a well-known navigator and co-chair of the Tuia250 project, reflects on his life journey and connection to sailing and waka culture. Named after the famed Tainui waka captain, Hoturoa delves into his family heritage, upbringing, and education, highlighting significant influences that have shaped his identity and enthusiasm for waka.     Brought up in places like Kāwhia and Rūātoki, Hoturoa attributes his fluency in te reo Māori and cultural understanding to his upbringing in Māori-speaking environments. He stresses the significance of traditional knowledge, particularly concerning waka, as a representation of mana and a tribute to the abilities and eminence of his forebears.    His experiences during waka voyages, encompassing both memorable and challenging episodes, have imparted valuable lessons in teamwork, community spirit, and the scientific aptitude of his ancestors. We sat down with him to talk more about this life, his dedication to voyaging and more.    This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr.

THE ORATOR OF THE KING    Rahui Papa has spent his life dedicated to his people. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in Waikato culture and language, Rahui is highly respected as an expert in his field and for these reasons has served as the orator to the current Māori king: honing the skills he has learned from some of the greatest orators and historians of his people.    During our conversation, Rahui shared with us his insights into the future of whaikōrero, the oratory art form that involves the skilled use of speech and te reo Māori. He discussed how he sees this ancient practice evolving and adapting to the modern world, and what his hopes are for its continued growth and development.    As we listened to Rahui speak, it was clear that his passion for whaikōrero and his dedication to preserving its traditions and teachings are unwavering. He is truly a testament to the power of language and the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of his people.    This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Rahui Papa

Rawiri Wright took a leap of faith 30 years ago that led him, his wife, and their whānau into the world of kura kaupapa Māori, devoting themselves to the regeneration of everything Māori.  As a man who has been at the centre of the Kura Kaupapa movement, he believes that Kura Kaupapa Māori Aho Matua is the way forward for Māori to revitalise themselves. Rawiri learned te reo Māori as young adults so that he could provide a Kura Kaupapa Māori Aho Matua education for his children.    Over the decades, Rawiri has seen the results of the battles that he and those who fought for Kura Kaupapa and is immensely satisfied and humbled to see former students who are now contributing and giving back to the world. We got a chance to sit and talk with him about why he decided to raise his children immersed in te ao Māori and why he remains committed to Kura Kaupapa after 30 years.    This is Indigenous 100. Rawiri Wright - Episode 40

Rena Owen is best known for her pivotal role as Beth Heke in Lee Tamahori's iconic film ‘Once Were Warriors' where her compelling performance earned her countless awards and nominations, locally and internationally. Since then, Rena has continued to excel in her career as an actress, producer & writer in film, television and theater, showcasing her versatility. Beyond her individual accomplishments, Rena has advocated for Māori representation in the entertainment industry, using her platform to raise awareness of the challenges, and support rangatahi - a testament to her talent, resilience and her unwavering commitment to using her influence for positive impact. But what were the foundations of Rena's success? What was going on behind the scenes of the acting career? We got to chat with Rena about her humble beginnings in Moerewa, an almost-medical career, a conviction decades old that still hinders her work opportunities, and her dreams for the future. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Rena Owen

A POWERHOUSE WAHINE

A GIFTED WARRIOR    Wetini Mitai-Ngatai is a highly respected figure in the world of kapa haka, renowned for his exceptional skills as both an orator and performer. For many years, he has served as both the leader and tutor of the Te Matarae i Ōrehu Kapa Haka , a kapa haka group based in Rotorua, has left an indelible mark on the national cultural landscape and even help take Māori performance to the world.    Te Matarae i Ōrehu made its debut appearance at the prestigious Te Matatini competition in Rotorua back in 1996. It was a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for the team, which went on to become one of the most beloved kapa haka groups in the country. Over the years, the group achieved numerous milestones, including winning several regional and two national titles, and earning a reputation for its outstanding performances that showcased the very best of Maori culture.    However, several weeks ago, the group was disbanded, much to the disappointment of its fans and supporters. To shed some light on this unexpected turn of events, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the key tutors of the Te Matarae i Ōrehu group. During our conversation, we discussed the history of the group, the art form of Kapa Haka, and the factors that contributed to its closure.   This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Wetini Mitai-Ngatai

A GIFTED CARVER   Master carver James Rickard has been part of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute since he enrolled in the first carving school intake in 1967. Rickard has not only dedicated decades of his life teaching the traditional Māori art form, but he has also been instrumental in creating hundreds of bespoke pieces that now hold pride of place around the world.    We had the chance to sit down with this master carver to talk about his craft, what it means to be a carver in Aotearoa and around the world and where he sees the future of carving.    This is his story. Indigenous 100 - James Rickard

A MĀORI MAYORS VISION!   Moko Tepania made history as the youngest elected Far North District Council member in 2019 and again in 2022 as the district's youngest and first Māori mayor. The far north mayor has been recognized as one of the world's top young leaders by a global organisation advocating for youth in politics. The young mayor is also an educator and is currently finishing a master's degree in education and his dissertation explores how Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar, can be used to benefit learning.   Tepania is among the five winners of the One Young World Politician of the Year Award, which acknowledges exceptional politicians between the ages of 18-35 who positively impact young people; which is one of the driving forces in his pursuit of politics - to bring more young people into the fold.    We sat down with the young mayor to talk about his aspirations for young people in politics, his district of The Far North, what home means to him and more importantly - all the things he wants to achieve and his plans for the future.    This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Moko Tepania

INDIGENOUS HEALTH CHAMPION!    Professor Papaarangi Reid has been at the forefront of equitable outcomes for Māori for over 30 years and is known for her years of dedication to addressing equity and furthering hauora Māori in Aotearoa. We had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Prof. Papaarangi about what equity means in the health space, how people misconstrue equity into something else and where Māori can best utilise equity going into the future.   This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Professor Papaarangi Reid

Academy nominated actress Keisha Castle-Hughes was uncertain about her future after her breakthrough role in Whale Rider at the age of 12. Now, almost two decades later, she shares insights about her fascinating life both on and off the screen.  Her acting career has united New Zealanders, who take pride in watching Paikea, the young girl they all know, take on more significant roles, inspiring future actors and actresses of Aotearoa. Recently, we had the privilege of sitting with Keisha, where she talked about her humble beginnings, identity struggles, having a child at a young age, and the valuable lessons she learned during her time in the industry. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Keisha Castle Hughes

Tēnei hautipua o te ao hākinakina!    From a young boy with humble beginnings to a triumphant NRL player, Tawera Nikau has faced numerous trials and challenges throughout his life. Despite the obstacles he has encountered, Tawera has persevered and become the person he is today.    His journey is an inspiring one that has touched the lives of many, from whānau to those who see him a rugby league playing role model. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Tawera and hear about his remarkable life, including his accident, his grief, and the lessons he has learned along the way.   This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Tawera Nikau

Filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi) has had remarkable success both here in Aotearoa and overseas. Projects like Tame Iti - The Man Behind the Moko, Waru, What We do in the Shadows and Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen; Chelsea’s collection of work celebrates our indigenous peoples. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Lynell Tuffery Huria.

When it comes to protecting our culture in this ever changing world, Lynell Tuffery Huria (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahine) is leading the way and utilising her expertise to ensure that Māori and international indigenous communities are supported in protecting their intellectual property. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Lynell Tuffery Huria.

As a Chair, Professional Director, CEO and Māori Development Specialist, Jim Mather (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe) is a jack of all trades who has had a significant impact on Maori Economic Development. This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Dr Jim Mather

Rob Ruha (Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Tainui) is an accomplished academic, activist and singer/songwriter amongst many things. Through his various endeavours, Rob champions te reo Māori me ona tikanga and has had considerable impact on the landscape of the arts, particularly music, here in Aotearoa. This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Rob Ruha

He’s one of the toughest players to don the black jersey and during his time as an All Black, Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford, of Ngāpuhi descent created a legacy that lasts to this day. This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford

Te mīharo hoki o te tokorua nei! As individuals, Stacey (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) and Scotty (Ngāti Whakaue) Morrison are powerhouses in a number of spaces. Together, they’re a powerful force who are creating a wave of reo revitalisation here in Aotearoa. Amongst many commitments, Stacey and Scotty are radio and TV broadcasters whose projects have spanned over 25 years. Both are esteemed authors and together have released a range of books that help whānau learn and use te reo Māori in everyday settings. There is no short summary of what Stacey and Scotty have been working on over the years. However, no matter what space they’re in, they’re always working towards bringing te reo Māori to the masses and providing safe, empowering spaces for people of all backgrounds to learn and embrace it. This is their story. Indigenous 100 - Stacey and Scotty Morrison.

Dr Leonie Pihama has a vision for our country. A vision of Tino Rangatiratanga that sees our reo, tikanga and mātauranga as the base in which our country operates and thrives. A leading kaupapa Māori educator and researcher, Leonie has been working in the intersecting fields of education, health, whānau wellbeing and Maori immersion education for a number of decades. Her work as an academic and activist is highly recognised and celebrated. Along with many other accolades, Leonie was a recipient of the Hohua Tūtengaehe Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship (Health Research Council) and the inaugural Ngā Pae o Te Mārama Senior Māori Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Washington. Everything Leonie does is rooted in tino rangatiratinga and reclaiming Aotearoa as Māori. The impact and insight she brings to kaupapa Māori issues is invaluable and her continuous commitment to the betterment of te iwi Māori is inspiring. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Leonie Pihama.

Hone Harawira needs no introduction here in Aotearoa. The activist and former politician from Te Tai Tokerau has dedicated his life to fighting for Māori rights and uplifting te iwi Māori. Over the past 40 years he’s played a role in Te Tiriti o Waitangi issues, Māori language revitalisation, land occupations, and Māori broadcasting. Since a young age Hone has been involved in activism and was a key participant in a number of important kaupapa over the last few decades including He Taua, the occupation at Bastion Point in 1978, the 1981 Springbok tour protests, and the 2004 foreshore and seabed hikoi, the last of which led to him entering Parliament. In 2004, Hone joined forces with Tariana Turia to form the Māori Party. He was elected as the MP for Te Tai Tokerau for three consecutive terms (2005-2014), two under the Māori Party and the last term under the Mana Movement. Hone was never far from the action while in parliament and racked up a number of memorable moments. Since leaving parliament in 2014, Hone has continued his community work and activism and is still prominent in headlines across the country. There’s no denying the impact that Hone Harawira has had on politics and in particular Maori rights. He’s a force to be reckoned with and shows no signs of slowing down. This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Hone Harawira.

David Letele (Samoa, Ngāti Maniapoto), a former professional boxer turned motivational speaker and founder of Buttabean Motivation which is changing lives and improving the health outcomes of people across Tāmaki Makaurau through free Community Boot Camps and a range of other community programmes. This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Dave Letele.

Associate Professor Ella Henry (Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Kuri, Te Rārawa) is an academic renowned for her research into and advocacy of Māori culture, language and leadership. She’s highly respected by many and has had a great impact on Māori media over the past twenty years. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Ella Henry

Joseph Parker, is a New Zealand professional boxer of Samoan heritage. Since becoming professional in 2012, Parker has a 27-2 record and in 2016, after defeating Andy Ruiz for the vacant WBO title, he became the first heavyweight boxer from either New Zealand or the Pacific Islands to win a major world championship - which he held until 2018. This is Joseph Parker’s story - Indigenous 100

Stan Walker has been a household name in Aotearoa for over a decade now. The singer from Tauranga Moana, Tūhoe and Ngāti Ranginui rose to fame as the winner of Australian Idol in 2009 and topped the charts shortly thereafter with his debut single, "Black Box." Since then he’s released multiple albums, starred in a number of films, judged television shows and performed across the world. His success as a performing artist across such a variety of mediums is unparalleled. This is his story - Stan Walker - Indigenous 100

He Renata Blair is of Ngāti Whātua descent with governance experience on the Ngāti Whātua Orākei Trust which is responsible for managing over $600m of assets. His specialist expertise is Te Ao Māori, leadership, business development and project management. This is Renata Blair - Indigenous 100.

He is the greatest footballer New Zealand, a country obsessed with Rugby, has ever produced. From Rongotai College to the heights and glory of European Football. This is his story - Wynton Rufer - Indigenous 100.

From a young age Maru Nihoniho has been fascinated with video games - but how do you turn your passion into your career? This is the story of how Maru Nihoniho completely changed the direction of her life to become an award-winning video game designer and businesswoman. Maru Nihoniho - Indigenous 100

Mr G, is a self-taught artist who works across various mixed media but is probably best known for his photo-realistic spray-painted street art. He has accepted commissions all around the world and his work is highly sought after. This is his story - Graham Hoete, Mr G - Indigenous 100

A person who has been a leader in business and governance, Mavis Mullins had broken the mould. Not just because of the positions she’s held or the accolades she’s received, but for the emphasis on doing business that benefits future generations. This is her story – Mavis Mullins - Indigenous 100.

Eugene Bareman is the mastermind behind the rise and rise of UFC superstar, Israel Adesanya. As Adesanya’s head coach he has overseen his star pupil’s transition from Kickboxing (75-5) and Boxing (5-1) to become the UFC Middleweight Champion in less than 2 years after debuting for the organisation.

From a television celebrity to a forensic psychiatrist, Dr Hinemoe Elder has made a fascinating transformation. Her story is one of unrelenting determination to care for the most important and vulnerable things in Te Ao Māori. Our people, our well-being and our language. This is Dr Hinemoa Elder - Indigenous 100

Hon Nanaia Mahuta is a tribal member of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Hine and her parliamentary experience has enabled her to contribute to the collective aspirations of Māori and all New Zealanders - Nanaia Mahuta Indigenous 100

From growing up on the East Coast of New Zealand to cutting deals with the biggest companies in world media including Amazon, National Geographic and Freemantle. This is the story of how Bailey Mackey went from Iwi radio to Hollywood - Bailey Mackey Indigenous 100

Lisa Tamati has ran the most physically and mentally demanding races in the world, but the true test of her resilience came a lot closer to home. Her life has been about perseverance, courage and heart. This is her story – Lisa Tamati - Indigenous 100.