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, and fighting while promoting Māori culture. 

Kaiwhare Kara-France's journey exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and embrace their cultural heritage.

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 Blair's sporting journey here on Indigenous 100.

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 more.

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 young Māori.

 

This is her story. Indigenous 100 - Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke

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 - Annette Sykes. 

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 - Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr.

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