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 classroom and beyond the pages of books, deeply immersed in te ao Māori.

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 only through his own transformative life journey but also through his ability to recognise and appreciate growth in the world and people around him, and what that signifies for the future of his craft.

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 on this topic and her fascinating perspective on using this period as our Overton window—an opportunity to spark a broad range of discussions — listen to her full Spotify episode available now.

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 for this insightful kōrero. Catch this full episode of Indigenous 100 here on Spotify to hear more from Dan Walker.

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, Mera’s insights offer a thought-provoking vision for the future. Catch the newest full episode of Indigenous 100 now on YouTube or Spotify to hear more from Mera Penehira.

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 now to Spotify or YouTube.

From the heart of Putāruru, Honey Hireme-Smiler’s journey is one of unparalleled triumphs and unshakable resilience. Deeply connected to her marae, and surrounded by her whānau, Honey carved a path that took her from small-town Aotearoa to global rugby stardom. With world titles in Rugby Sevens, Fifteens, and League, she’s not only dominated on the field but also in the commentary box and as a speaker. Recently, she’s added “author” to her incredible résumé with the release of her memoir. Honey’s accolades speak volumes. Yet, it’s her strength, connection to her roots, and ability to rise above life’s toughest challenges that make her story truly remarkable. This is her story. Indigenous 100 – Honey Hireme-Smiler.

A prominent leader in te ao Māori who seamlessly navigates te ao Pākehā, Tukoroirangi Morgan is the Chair of Waikato -Tainui's executive arm, once a teacher, a former MP, and an accomplished broadcaster. Yet, of all his achievements, his legacy is perhaps most deeply tied to his steadfast dedication to the Kīngitanga movement and his commitment to always striving for the very best for his people. This is his story. Indigenous 100 – Tuku Morgan.

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, experiences, hopes, and what keeps her grounded while driving her vision forward. Dame Cindy’s full episode is now available on YouTube and Spotify, a powerful kōrero about leadership, equity, and humanity.

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. A proud māmā of five with infectious energy and an undeniable spark, we sit down with Mea to find out more about this incredible wahine toa.

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 recognised seafood company that focused on sustainability and Māori values, to food & beverage company Kono, to co-founder of business design and brand strategy firm Oho, to New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles, Rachel has many feathers to her bow. But at the core of her diligence, is whānau. We had the opportunity to sit down with Rachel and find out what really drives her, and the strong foundations that influenced her work ethic. This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Rachel Taulelei

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.…

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…

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

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 2020 Chelsea was nominated for an Oscar for producing Jojo Rabbit, becoming the first indigenous female producer to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. After 4 years in Los Angeles Chelsea has returned home to film a feature documentary Toi Tu Toi Ora – Visual Sovereignty. A documentary about the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki’s forthcoming exhibition, showcasing the most comprehensive survey of contemporary Māori art to be presented in New Zealand in recent history. Chelsea’s passion for indigenous story telling is reflected in the work that she creates, inspired by leader’s of our time the likes of Mereata Mita, Chelsea continues down the path lain…

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 Māori patent lawyer here in Aotearoa, Lynell is a specialist in all aspects of trade mark protection, management and enforcement. She’s involved in drafting submissions on new legislation for the protection and recognition of indigenous rights across the globe and among her most interesting cases has been working with Patea Māori Club to safeguard the group’s POI E trade mark and other aspects of its IP. She’s a change maker who is leading a charge for reform in IP laws here in Aotearoa and her work is driven by her passion to create a better future for te iwi Māori where our ahurea, tikanga and kawa will be respected and protected. This is her story. Indigenous 100 -…

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 Business Trust, Māori Television and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and now holds a number of governance roles - Chair of Radio New Zealand, Chair of Lakes District Health Board and Director of Auckland Transport to name a few. Through his various roles Jim is creating transformative change and implementing a Māori framework into the decision making process of some of our country's biggest organisations. His work is fuelled by his passion for Māori development and his career has been dedicated to creating opportunity and engagement for Māori businesses and the wider Māori economy. He’s implementing change at a high level and always puts te iwi Māori at the forefront of…

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 Solo Artist career has seen him perform in front of many international audiences, collaborate with some of New Zealand’s finest musicians and open and support international artists such as John Legend and Justin Timberlake. He’s won numerous awards along the way including the Mana Reo and Worship awards at the AMAs earlier this week alongside fellow artists of Mōhau. Whether it’s in music, film, art or academia, Rob Ruha represents te ao Māori with humility, pride and grace. He’s inspiring a new generation of Māori artists and leading a movement of activism through the arts. This is his story. Indigenous 100 - Rob Ruha If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate and…

Wayne 'Buck' ShelfordRugby LegendHe’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 for 19 games from 1987 - 1990. He's the only Captain at present that can claim that title.One of Wayne’s greatest achievements during his time as an All Black was the vital role he played in the revival of the All Blacks haka which is now performed in all matches, and has spread through all of the franchises including the Black Ferns, New Zealand Māori and male and female sevens teams.Years on from his playing days, Buck Shelford continues to have a strong impact on the rugby world, particularly the presence of Maori as players, coaches, staff and governance. He’s overcome a number of hurdles throughout the years and come through it all stronger than ever. His name…

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 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 Follow Follow Scotty and Stacey on social media Facebook group: Maori 4 Grown Ups Instagram:…

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 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. Follow…

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 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…

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 programmes. After going through his own life changing weight loss journey and losing over 90kg’s, Dave was inspired to help others out by supporting and educating everyday people - in 2014 he launched Buttabean Motivation and created a movement that continues to help people on their journey to a healthier lifestyle. Buttabean HQ is where Letele and his team run fitness classes, health programmes and community food drives. Established six years ago, it has drawn in a community of over 14,000 wanting to make positive and healthy changes in their lives. Dave has faced many different challenges through life, but through them all he’s come out the other side and wants to help…

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 focused on Māori women and leadership and her PhD on Māori entrepreneurship in screen production. Ella has also been actively involved in the development of the Māori screen industry, serving as Chair of Nga Aho Whakaari, the Māori screen guild. She was a Treaty Negotiator for her Iwi, Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa, and is also a member of a research group looking at Māori leadership and decision-making, funded by Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga. Ella is a leader in her multiple fields and in everything she does she always considers the development and betterment of te iwi Māori. Her energy is unmatched and so is the mahi she’s done of the years. This is her story. Indigenous 100 -…

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 boxing at the age of 11 – his father was named Dempsey after former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. As an amateur, Joe won silver at the Youth Olympics and bronze at the Youth World Championships, he represented New Zealand at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, won the New Zealand amateur heavyweight championship in 2010,and retained this title in 2011. 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 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 films, judged television shows and performed across the world. His success as a performing artist across such a variety of mediums is unparalleled. Not only has Walker earned a total of six gold, four platinum, one double platinum and one triple platinum single in New Zealand across five studio albums, he has collected eight New Zealand Music Awards along the way. He has also won the Waiata Māori Award for Radio Airplay Record of the Year five times. His live performances are legendary and, as well as headlining his own National Tours, he has shared a touring stage with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Ciara, Jay Sean, Travie McCoy, Ja Rule, Akon and Jessica Mauboy.…

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 preserving and revitalization of tribal history, language, customs and protocols. Renata owns and operates the successful events management company Evitan. His company has over 4O staff and he employs a number of whānau. Evitan delivers a wide range of events from concerts, fashion shows, corporate events, product launches through to major expos and large festivals. Renata was selected as a Crown-appointed trustee to the Eden Park Trust Board and he also sits on the board of Harrison Grierson Holdings and the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB). He has extensive business knowledge through his company Strategic Pathways, and extensive commercial experience through…

WYNTON RUFEROceania Footballer of the CenturyIt 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 would have been a first choice selection in his squad.Wyton Rufer was born in Wellington to a Swiss father, Arthur, and a Māori mother, Anne. The staunch Ngāti Porou kid excelled at football at a young age and was soon creating a name for himself in the local leagues. It wasn’t long before his talent drew the attention of Norwich City in England where he immediately started finding the back of the net. Denied a work permit Wynton, alongside his brother Shane, moved to their father’s homeland where they picked up a contract with FC Zürich. As Wynton’s career was starting to take off - the New Zealand National side, The All Whites, were attempting to qualify for the…

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 a takeaway shop around the corner from her home in Spreydon in Christchurch where she became fascinated with not only playing the arcade games but also how the machines worked. This curiosity stuck with her over the years and was one of the driving forces behind her move into the world of video gaming. Metia has a strong focus on interactive storytelling and designing games with meaningful learning objectives. With a portfolio of original and third party developed projects, Metia delivers games across multiple platforms from commercial titles through to educational and health-based game initiatives. Metia was behind the development of SPARX a self-help e-therapy…

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 notably his portrait of Kiwi basketball star Steven Adams in Oklahoma City and Mr G's tribute to Prince, a Purple Rain themed mural in Chanhassen, Minnesota, that made headlines all around the world. Mr G's work is highly sought after and he has accepted commissions throughout New Zealand as well as Australia, the USA and Scotland and he has produced work for prominent companies and organisations including Nike, Westfield and Frucor. Born in 1979 in the Bay of Plenty, Mr G has remained firm to his roots. While he could live anywhere in the world, he resides in Papamoa... So it made perfect sense when it was confirmed in 2019 that Graham would hold his first solo…

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 long term view has never changed to make sound business decisions that benefit the generations to come. Mavis began her working life as a wool classer in her family's shearing business and soon moved into management of the business. Under her management, the company became the first shearing business in the world to achieve ISO 9002 accreditation. In 1996 she graduated from Massey University with a Masters in Business Administration. She has held positions on the Massey University Council and the Mid-Central and Wairarapa District Health Boards. In 2000, Mullins headed the launch of 2degrees, as part of her work with Te Huarahi Tika Trust. She was a member of the…

EUGENE BAREMANMMA / KICKBOXING COACHEugene 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 played an instrumental role in Australian Alex Volkanovski capturing the UFC Featherweight Championship in December 2019. UFC fighters, Lightweight contender - Dan Hooker, top 10 ranked Flyweight - Kai Kara-France and rising stars, Shane Young and Brad Riddell are all coached by Eugene as well as a host of world-ranked boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial artists who compete all around the world. The success of his fighters has seen his gym - City Kickboxing - which he co-founded with Doug Viney in 2007, ranked as one of the best MMA gyms in the world. Eugene is an accomplished fighter himself having trained and competed in Muay Thai since 2001. He is a multiple New…

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 herself under a different spotlight for her work with Māori and in mental health. This transformation has led to many accolades but it has more importantly led to a passion for supporting her language, culture and the well-being of her people. After graduating from the University of Auckland with an MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in 1999 her post-graduate studies led to a PhD, completed at Massey University in 2012, focused on the development of tikanga approaches for Māori tamariki (children) who experienced traumatic brain injury. In 2014, Hinemoa was awarded the prestigious Health Research Council of New Zealand Eru Pomare Post Doctoral…

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 that built the capacity of communities, especially social service organisations, greater investment in education, employment and training opportunities, particularly for young people, supported the continuation of the Treaty Settlement process and supported specific initiatives that lift the wellbeing and opportunities for young mothers and those who are vulnerable and victims of abuse. Nanaia is the daughter of Sir Robert Mahuta, who was the adopted son of King Korokī Te Rata Mahuta Tāwhiao Pōtatau Te Wherowhero (Māori King from 1933-66) and the elder brother of Māori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Māori Queen from 1966-2006). As of the 2017 election, Nanaia is the…

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 Zealand. A talented sportsman he represented the East Coast at rugby but his passion was at the time - radio and media. So how does a kid from the Ngāti Porou East Coast go from local iwi radio to doing deals with the biggest companies in world media - the likes of Amazon, Freemantle, National Geographic and A+E Networks to name just a few. Bailey's shows are broadcast all around the world and he's just getting started. So what makes Bailey tick? What does he think about the current state of media? How can New Zealand use it’s geographic and cultural difference as an advantage in this forever changing media landscape? His story is inspirational and shows how you…