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…

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…

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 whe…

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, se…

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 Māor…

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 o…

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 fo…

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…

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 …

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 themsel…

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…

A POWERHOUSE WAHINE 💫 Rachel Taulelei is a globally recognised business leader, business owner, and sports franchise holder. With a background in law and finance, the beginning of her career started with humble beginnings as an office administrator. But her strong drive and love for people propelled her to lead her own path. From an internationally…

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 lan…

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 …

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 e…

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 peop…

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 k…

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 …

Chelsea Winstanley Film Producer 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. In …

Lynell Tuffery Huria Intellectual Property Lawyer 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. As the first Māo…

Dr Jim Mather Maori Development Specialist 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. Jim has business leadership experience spanning 25 years. He has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Bus…

Rob Ruha Music Artist 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. Rob’s S…

Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford Rugby Legend 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. His actions on the field left a mark on every game he played and during his time as captain of the All Blacks, the team were undefeated fo…

Scotty and Stacey Morrison Reo Advocates, TV/Radio Broadcasters 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 a…

Dr Leonie Pihama Academic, Activist 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…

Hone Harawira Māori Activist, Former Politician 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 occ…

Dave Letele Motivator, Founder of Buttabean Motivation 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 programm…

Dr. Ella Henry Academic, Researcher, and Negotiator. 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. Her Masters foc…

Joe Parker Professional Boxer Lupesoloai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker, is a New Zealand professional boxer of Samoan heritage. Growing up in Mangere – as a kid Parker generally impressed with whatever he did. One day it was on the rugby league field, the next it was showcasing his skills playing the piano. It was no surprise when he took up box…

STAN WALKER Musician 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 fil…

RENATA BLAIR Businessman and member of the Institute of Directors 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. The Trust runs projects and programmes in commercial property development, investments, education, housing, environment and pres…

WYNTON RUFER Oceania Footballer of the Century It is true to say that the average New Zealander doesn’t realise how big of a superstar today’s guest is. In 1990, then German football coach – Franz Beckenbauer – who coached his team to World Cup glory – stated that our guest was the number one rated striker in the Bundesliga, and if he was German he…

MARU NIHONIHO Creator of Digital Worlds Maru Nihoniho (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāi Tahu) is the founding CEO of game development studio, Metia Interactive. She is the designer and developer of several games for companies like Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox. Maru first fell in love with “spacies” at her local fish n chips shop. There was …

GRAHAM HOETE – Mr G Contemporary Multi-disciplinary Artist /Designer Today’s guest, Graham Hoete (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Awa), a.k.a. 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. His murals have attracted international attention, most no…

MAVIS MULLINS NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS HALL OF FAME Today’s guest is NZ business hall of famer, Mavis Mullins (Rangitāne, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi and Ngāti Ranginui). For decades Mavis has been at the forefront of Māori business. She has run multiple companies and chaired a number of high powered boards. Through all of her experience and success, her …

EUGENE BAREMAN MMA / KICKBOXING COACH 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. Eugene also …

Dr. HINEMOA ELDER Child and adolescent psychiatrist / Te Reo Māori advocate. Back in the 90’s Dr Hinemoa Elder (Ngāti Kurī, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi) was a celebrity staring on her own TV show, married to the most influential man in New Zealand media and on every tabloid and magazine in the country. Fast forward 20 plus years and she finds he…

HON NANAIA MAHUTA Minister for Māori Development On today’s episode Julian sits down to chat with the Minister for Māori Development, MP for Hauraki-Waikato, Hon Nanaia Mahuta (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Hine). First elected to Parliament in 1996, when she became a list MP, Hon Nanaia Mahuta has supported policies and initiatives tha…

Bailey Mackey CEO / Television Producer On today’s episode Julian Wilcox sits down to chat with someone he used to work with and who he’s known for many years – the founder and CEO of Pango Productions, Bailey Mackey – probably the biggest media star in New Zealand you likely have never heard of. Bailey grew up in Gisborne on the East Coast of New …

Lisa Tamati Ultra Endurance Athlete & Coach Ultra Endurance Athlete & Coach Lisa Tamati knows what it takes to overcome obstacles. With over 140 ultra-marathons and 70,000km in training and racing to her name Lisa is constantly pushing the limits of human endurance. Lisa is perhaps best known for being the first kiwi woman to finish the infamous Ba…

Sir Michael Jones All Blacks Legend “The Iceman” is unquestionably one of the greatest rugby players of all time, but his skill on the field only paints half the picture of Sir Michael Jones. He changed the game with his dynamic play. He also showed incredible strength to come back from a serious injury to develop into the best player in the world …

PROF. RANGI MATAMUA Māori Astronomer When you look up at the stars what do you see? Professor Rangi Matamua of Ngāi Tūhoe, is renowned for his captivating work in the field of Māori astronomy He travels extensively throughout the country and around the world teaching this ancient knowledge passed down from his ancestors, demonstrating its relevance…

Hinewehi Mohi Musician When music legend Hinewehi Mohi was asked to sing the national anthem before the All Blacks RWC quarter final match against England in 1999, she made a choice that would ignite conversation and change not only New Zealand but help play a vital role in the normalisation of te reo Māori. The talented singer, songwriter and tele…

Rereata Makiha Māori Astronomer Rereata Makiha was born and raised in the Hokianga, where he attended Northland College. He studied Social Sciences at Victoria University in Wellington and Māori Business at the University of Auckland, where he was awarded the Dean’s Prize. “The real learning started when I was 18, spending eight years being taught …

Kiri Nathan Fashion Designer Kiri Nathan’s (Ngāpuhi, Waikato Tainui) designs have been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, Will.I.Am, Ed Sheeran, the Obamas and Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. As a 19-year-old solo mother, she began her three-year diploma in Visual Arts, majoring in Fashion. Kiri also went back to the marae to …

Sir Tipene O’Regan The Negotiator Although best known for his role as a board member and Chairman of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Trust Board spearheading the Ngāi Tahu Claim process before the Waitangi Tribunal culminating in the Ngāi Tahu Settlement, Tā Tipene O’Regan’s achievements are many and varied. He was a major negotiator of the Treaty of Waitangi …

FRANCIS & KAIORA TIPENE Stars of ‘The Casketeers’ Francis and Kaiora Tipene discuss their journey from funeral directors to international television stars on their groundbreaking series ‘The Casketeers’ When Francis and Kaiora Tipene agreed to take part in a new television series centred entirely around them and their Auckland based funeral busines…

REIKURA KAHI & KAWARIKI MORGAN Kapa Haka Champions Reikura Kahi and Kawariki Morgan take us on a journey from foundation kura kaupapa kids to national champions of Te Matatini Kapa Haka. Siblings, Reikura Kahi and Kawariki Morgan are the leaders of Nga Tumanako, Te Matatini National Champion Kapa Haka. Foundation members of the first-ever Kura Kaup…

PANIA NEWTON The Protector Pania Newton, the public face of SOUL – Save our Unique Landscapes – discusses her upbringing and what drives her to protect her village at Ihumātao in Māngere. At the age of 9 Pania Newton knew she wanted to become a lawyer. In 2015 aged 25, she realised that dream. But when survey pegs started to appear on the land next…