Te reo Māori, the native language of New Zealand, is making significant strides within the country’s media, marking not just a cultural renaissance but also fostering broader conversations about identity, inclusivity, and representation. One of the most exciting developments is the upcoming television series Tangata Pai, which aims to feature 30 percent of its dialogue in te reo Māori. This initiative reflects the growing recognition of the language's importance within mainstream media and society.
Filming recently concluded on this groundbreaking series, which is backed by Warner Brothers Discovery and is produced in collaboration with the Te Atiawa iwi and Ngāti Te Whiti hapū. Set against the backdrop of contemporary issues such as seabed mining, Tangata Pai tells the story of five individuals brought together by the disruption caused by a bomb detonated at a peaceful Māori protest against mining at a sacred site. Writer-director Kiel McNaughton, deeply rooted in Taranaki iwi and Parihaka heritage, envisions the series as not only entertaining but also as meaningful commentary on historical and current struggles faced by Māori.
"Our Māori need to stand up. Stand up for their rights, stand up for their land, stand up for what we believe in," said McNaughton about the thematic parallels between the protest depicted and Māori actions throughout history. He emphasized the importance of normalizing te reo Māori usage, making it more accessible and less intimidating for modern audiences. The show is expected to include subtitles, aiding non-Māori speakers to engage fully with the content.
One of the driving forces behind the language integration is Mereana Hond, a former journalist with Taranaki and Ngāti Ruanui connections. Hond emphasizes the collaboration between the iwi and producers as pivotal, noting the significance of exploring Māori stories through fictional narratives set within factually accurate historical contexts.
"The fact we would set up an occupation, create our waiata and haka to tell those stories, that's what makes this experience so culturally enriching," she explained. Hond highlighted how the series would feature Taranaki reo, underscoring the significance of local dialects and customs. Importantly, the portrayal of differing opinions among Māori will be addressed, reflecting the reality of various perspectives within the community.
Meanwhile, another initiative, The Pākehā Project, has emerged, which champions the engagement of Pākehā (non-Māori) with te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi). Founded by Rebecca Sinclair and Louise Marra, the project aims to equip non-Māori leaders with the knowledge necessary to engage constructively with Treaty discussions. Sinclair articulated the goal: This movement is about preparing Pākehā to have deep and rich conversations, not merely binary debates.
She acknowledged the complexity of the historical narrative surrounding colonization and expressed the urgency of confronting these issues to move forward positively together. Sinclair pointed out, "Our work is not re-indigenising. Our work is about making space so re-indigenisation can happen."
This initiative has been particularly significant, as it repositions Pākehā not as leaders, but as allies, ready to support Māori-led movements for tino rangatiratanga, or self-determination, which strengthens the country's social fabric rather than tearing it apart.
Among the challenges faced by The Pākehā Project is the inevitable discomfort associated with confronting historical injustices and the emotions tied to those discussions. Sinclair explained the importance of creating safe spaces where Pākehā can express their feelings—be it grief, guilt, or rage—without placing the burden on Māori. “Māori have been telling us for generations. The last thing we want is Māori to have to be there, witnessing the learning and realization of Pākehā,” she said.
This initiative not only confronts systemic issues within society but also promotes anti-racism education, which is increasingly necessary as both New Zealand’s demographics and its cultural narratives evolve. Sinclair underscored the need for these dialogues, saying, "Without these conversations, we will continue to tear our social fabric apart. But with them, we have the opportunity to grow and evolve together, ensuring it’s mutually beneficial for all parties involved."
She dismissed fears surrounding the loss of identity or privilege inherent to Pākehā assumptions, prophesizing instead new growth and opportunities arising from honoring tino rangatiratanga.
Back on the television front, the call for representation has never been louder, and it’s clear through projects like Tangata Pai and initiatives like The Pākehā Project, New Zealand is taking tangible steps to make the media more inclusive. The reach of te reo Māori is set to expand significantly as these projects gain momentum, fostering pride among Māori and prompting curiosity among non-Māori audiences.
Overall, the blending of te reo Māori within mainstream media initiatives, such as Tangata Pai, and the thoughtful engagement of Pākehā with the foundational knowledge of te Tiriti, manifests the necessary progress toward embracing and celebrating New Zealand’s diverse cultural heritage. The movements of today are about ensuring the stories of all New Zealanders are woven together, creating new narratives infused with mutual respect and recognition of history.
This exhilarating moment signals not just another television show but the slow, steady resurgence and celebration of te ao Māori, the world of the Māori, its language, and its stories, set vividly against Aotearoa's ever-evolving fabric. Navigated with careful thought, respect, and collaboration, this path forward holds tremendous promise for integrating indigenous culture at the heart of New Zealand storytelling.
The positive response to these movements reinforces the vitality of te reo Māori, highlighting how the language is not merely surviving but is well on its way to thriving, heralded by the new generation of storytellers and leaders committed to its resurgence within the media and beyond.
