Representing Māori Voices on Screen

Māori communities across Aotearoa New Zealand hold their language and traditions in high regard. The tide of discrimination, however, can sometimes cause young Māori to set aside their culture to acquire an easier life.

Our documentary, titled "Whakahokia: The journey home" follows the journey of twenty-six-year-old Māori musician Ngaariki Muru as he returns home in an attempt to pick up the pieces of a cultural identity he left behind. Dedicated to empowering others on the same voyage, Ngaariki hopes to write a song that gives a voice the things most important to him — people.

We are seeking funding to support the production of our documentary as AUT students. Travelling around New Zealand to film Ngaariki's music and returning home to his family in Ohope, we will be using any donations towards travel costs as well as equipment hire and purchases.

Any donations over $40 will gain an invitation to attend a small gig in Auckland where Ngaariki will perform and food will be provided! It would be a lovely opportunity to get the community together and see a bunch of familiar and unfamiliar faces.

This documentary is close to our hearts and we would love your help in making it the best it can be.