Indigenous 100 Podcast

With a deep love for people and a genuine desire to give his absolute all to his mahi, Dr. Reuben Collier has always approached his work with the right intentions and a true commitment to understanding. It is this authenticity that has naturally drawn elders to open up to him, they believed in him—no matter who, where, or what the kaupapa may be.  For Reuben, his learning extended far beyond the c...

Reflecting on his youth, Wiremu Doherty shares a story of simplicity and deep connection to the world around him, offering a profound glimpse into the resourcefulness that shaped his journey. As a hunter-gatherer even from his preschool years, these formative experiences laid the foundation for the remarkable insights he now weaves into the influential roles he holds today.  

A life-altering accident could have ended Gordon Toi’s path as an artist, but instead, it deepened his passion for his art and turned his own pain into a vessel to help others navigate their own—particularly through the sacred and profound process of giving and receiving tā moko. If there’s one thing that stands out about Gordon, it’s his evolution. He has grown into the rangatira he is today—not...

Colonialism’s impact runs deep, shaping how indigenous peoples are perceived both at home and abroad. Ironically, outside one’s home country, there is often recognition, respect, and admiration for our uniqueness and resilience. Yet, internally, systemic issues persist—a by-product of colonial structures that remain deeply embedded in societal institutions worldwide. To hear more from Tina Ngata o...

AI has become an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives, rapidly advancing in knowledge and significance. As it continues to evolve, Dan reflects on the importance of nurturing our relationship with this global tool, exploring how we can harness it for positive outcomes while addressing common misconceptions.  Driven by a powerful purpose to ensure AI is used for the greater good, join us...

With her deep understanding of Māori education and international indigenous knowledge, Mera shares her whakaaro on the successes we’ve achieved while thoughtfully highlighting opportunities for growth.  From equipping our rangatahi with a deeper understanding of our country’s political context to exploring spaces where wāhine Māori can thrive further in their reclamation journey and much more, Mer...

From the historic battles at Ruapekapeka and Ōrākau to the ongoing responses from te iwi Māori today, these actions are all interlinked in addressing our concerns to the King or Queen of the time and the government of the day. This relentless fight reflects our determination, strength, perseverance, and deep, innate ties to this whenua. To hear more from Te Ururoa in his full interview, head over...

Honey Hireme-Smiler knew her talent was something special from a young age. By the time she was 10, she was making rep teams and playing in the Northern Zones, so it was clear she was on a path to something extraordinary—even if it meant leaving her brothers a few steps behind! To hear more of Honey’s story, her humor, and her incredible journey on Indigenous 100, head over to YouTube or  listen h...

Balancing the demands of many different kaupapa is no small feat, but Tuku Morgan has spent decades mastering the art. Through challenges, obstacles, and countless battles, his focus has always remained steadfast: the wellbeing of his people and a thriving future for the next generation. Tuku Morgan is a straight shooter – his full podcast and extended interview is now available now via Spotify an...

By day, she handles a steady stream of engagements with government leaders, heads of state, and royalty. Yet, at the heart of her role as Aotearoa’s first wahine Māori Governor-General, lies a deep commitment to serving Aotearoa and improving outcomes for a nation.  In the latest episode of Indigenous 100, the Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro opens up about her journey—sharing personal stories, experien...

Mea Motu is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional boxing, representing her Māori roots with pride and strength. Known as "Nightmea" in the ring, Mea has captivated audiences worldwide with her resilience, skill, and determination.  She’s not only a champion boxer but also a powerful advocate for Māori women, inspiring others through her journey of overcoming obstacles and pushin...

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 he...

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 w...

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...

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 lat...

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...

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 f...

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 co...

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 Rū...

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 convers...

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...

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 accomplish...

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...

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 c...