Indigenous 100 Podcast
The Indigenous 100 Podcast features conversations with Indigenous thought leaders, sharing their perspectives, knowledge, and experiences. It explores leadership, culture, community, and the issues affecting Indigenous peoples. The show is produced by Mahi Tahi Media and centers Indigenous voices and ideas.
Episodes
Episode 60 – REUBEN COLLIER
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
Episode 59 – WIREMU DOHERTY
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.
 
Episode 58 – GORDON TOI
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
Episode 57 – TINA NGATA
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
Episode 56 – DAN WALKER
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
Episode 55 – MERA PENEHIRA
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
Episode 54 – TE URUROA FLAVELL
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
Episode 53 – HONEY HIREME-SMILER
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 s
Episode 52 – TUKOROIRANGI MORGAN
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.
Episode 51 – DAME CINDY KIRO
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, ex
Episode 50 – MEA MOTU
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.
Episode 49 – KAI KARA-FRANCE
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
Episode 48 – ADAM BLAIR
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, B
Episode 47 – JENNY MAY CLARKSON
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 comp
Episode 46 – SIR HIRINI MOKO MEAD
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 an
Episode 45 – HANA RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE
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 yo
Episode 44 – MARK KOPUA
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 coun
Episode 43 – ANNETTE SYKES
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 un
Episode 42 – HOTUROA BARCLAY-KERR
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 a
Episode 41 – RAHUI PAPA
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 o
Episode 40 – RAWIRI WRIGHT
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
Episode 39 – RENA OWEN
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
Episode 38 – RACHEL TAULELEI
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 sustai
Episode 37 – WETINI MITAI-NGATAI
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 performanc
Episode 36 – JAMES RICKARD
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
Episode 35 – MOKO TEPANIA
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 finish
Episode 34 – PROFESSOR PAPAARANGI REID
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
Episode 33 – KEISHA CASTLE-HUGHES
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 f
Episode 32 – TAWERA NIKAU
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 rugb
Episode 31 – CHELSEA WINSTANLEY
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 fo
Episode 30 – LYNELL TUFFERY HURIA
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 sp
Episode 29 – DR JIM MATHER
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 Ao
Episode 28 – ROB RUHA
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
Episode 27 – WAYNE ‘BUCK’ SHELFORD
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 for 19 games from 1987 – 1990.
Episode 26 – SCOTTY & STACEY MORRISON
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 pr
Episode 25 – DR LEONIE PIHAMA
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 d
Episode 24 – HONE HARAWIRA
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
Episode 23 – DAVE LETELE
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 we
Episode 22 – DR ELLA HENRY
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 o
Episode 21 – JOE PARKER
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 name
Episode 20 – STAN WALKER
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 perf
Episode 19 – RENATA BLAIR
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, lan
Episode 18 – WYNTON RUFER
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 would have been a first choic
Episode 17 – MARU NIHONIHO
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 fr
Episode 16 – GRAHAM HOETE – MR G
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 basketbal
Episode 15 – MAVIS MULLINS
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 b
Episode 14 – EUGENE BAREMAN
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 played an instrumental role in Australian Alex
Episode 13 – DR HINEMOA ELDER
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 w
Episode 12 – HON NANAIA MAHUTA
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, espe
Episode 11 – BAILEY MACKEY
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
Episode 10 – LISA TAMATI
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 Badwater Ultramarathon through the hotte
Episode 9 – SIR MICHAEL JONES
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 in a different position and prioritising his fai
Episode 8 – PROFESSOR RANGI MATAMUA
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 to our everyday life.
Rangi is a professor at
Episode 7 – HINEWEHI MOHI
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 television producer who came from humble beginnings,
Episode 6 – REREATA MAKIHA
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 in the ancient whare wānanga,” says Rereata, who
Episode 5 – KIRI NATHAN
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 learn traditional Māori raranga (weav
Episode 4 – SIR TIPENE O’REGAN
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 fisheries settlements and was also the fo
Episode 3 – FRANCIS & KAIORA TIPENE
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 business they could never have imagined the impact
Episode 2 – REIKURA KAHI & KAWARIKI MORGAN
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 Kaupapa Māori at Hoani Waititi Marae – Rei
Episode 1 – PANIA NEWTON
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 door to her village at Ihumātao in
