Ngā Aho Whakaari is the guild responsible for representing Māori in screen industries. As a strategic tangata whenua partner its role is to advocate and build relationships with government, the screen sector and related communities. Here are just a few of the responsibilities Ngā Aho Whakaari carries within the sector: 

• Representing Māori aspirations & indigenous voices to the world.
• Supporting te reo & tikanga Māori goals for the sector with Te Māngai Pāho.
• Strategic tangata whenua partner to the NZ Film Commission.
• Development and capacity building in screen industries.
• Cultural competency advisory.
• Policy response submissions.
• Advisory for tangata whenua nominations to scholarships, awards and governance roles.

Nui Events was selected by Ngā Aho Whakaari to manage their first ticketed Māori Screen Industry Hui and the first Māori Screen Industry Hui to take place since before the pandemic. 

With so long since the last hui, and a range of new developments at each level of the sector, the event brought with it much anticipation. Producers from emerging and established production houses, broadcasters, film makers and industry professionals alike snapped up tickets in haste and subsequently almost 30 tickets were added to cope with the demand. 

The day started off with registrations, whanaungatanga and a powhiri welcoming over 120 guests onto the stunning urban marae Te Mahurehure in Point Chevalier. Hon. Minister Willie Jackson gave the opening remarks and Julian Wilcox, our MC for the day carried the agenda with grace and wit.  

The exciting day was structured upon three powerful themes, the overarching kaupapa: Ki Tua! Navigating the Future.  

WHAKAMANA - KI TAI WĪWĪ 

Enhancing Reo & Tikanga Māori in screen. 

Keeping up with kaitiakitanga & the industry issue of cultural competency.

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WHAKATIKA - KI TAI WĀWĀ 

The changing tide of Pūtea Tautoko.

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WHAKANUIA - KI TE WHEI AO 

Indigenous-led pathways to the world.

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It was a full day event, filled with insightful discussions as we explored the latest developments in the Māori screen industry. From policy and funding, to broadcasting, te reo Māori and the trailblazers taking ownership of the full screen ecosystem: this event was rich in kōrero and in wairua. It was informative, inspiring and served as a refreshing reminder of the many ways in which the Māori screen sector is stepping into the future, and leading it. 

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SPEAKERS

• Hon. Minister Willie Jackson
• Tainui Stephens (Māoriland), Wirihana Takuira (TVNZ), Hinurewa Poutu (Whakaata Māori), Reikura Kahi (Te Mātāwai), Tweedie Waititi (Matewa Media)
• Ella Henry, Christina Milligan. Whetu Fala, Jo Maraki
• Larry Parr (Te Māngai Pāho), Shane Taurima (Whakaata Māori), Cameron Harland, Heperi Mita, Amie Mills (NZ On Air)
• TVNZ (Cate Slater, Nevak Rogers)
• Mladen Ivancic, Leanne Saunders, Te Ōkahurangi Waaka (NZ Film Commission)
• Chelsea Winstanley (Ahi) 
• Libby Hakaraia (Puritia) 
• Cliff Curtis

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“Our Industry Hui on Friday would not have been possible without an amazing event management team ensuring the smooth running of our program from beginning to end! Their execution and professionalism allowed us to focus on the purpose of this hui! Ngā mihi nui ki a Nui Creative! So many others to thank over the coming week! Ki Tua! #eventmanagement #creative #team #screenindustry #māori”

Lanita Ririnui

Executive Director, Ngā Aho Whakaari 

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“All the kōrero shared in this hui was invaluable!

Loved the execution and professionalism from Nui Creative and CO2 Media. To be in a whare that I also whakapapa to and to be able to meet whānau at this hui made it so much more special!

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou!

Irlene Mokaraka

Executive Assistant, Ngā Aho Whakaari

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“This is the best screen industry hui we’ve had, ever.”

Chelsea Winstanley‍

Filmmaker

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