HOMESTEADS
SEASON 1
The stories of intergenerational family homesteads through the eyes of the people who connect to them, exploring the culturally significant role they've played in maintaining Māori ties to their tūrangawaewae (ancestral land). Etched into the walls of the homesteads are some of the most treasured happy memories as well as stories of hardship and grief. The concept of home transcends culture, and this heartfelt series will leave audiences feeling warm and nostalgic.
Makiha Whānau Homestead
The Makiha Homestead has long been vacant and the surrounding whenua of Ngatahuna in Waima hasn’t had full-time occupants for many years. In light of covid-19 and the housing crisis, whānau longed to return home but have nowhere to go. This sparked their longstanding desire to rebuild their homestead and develop a papakāinga on their whenua. With the guidance of tohunga Rereata Makiha, the whānau held a ceremony for their whānau whare, conducting karakia at dawn before dismantling the house as a family and burying it in preparation for a rebuild. Although it stirred emotions and brought back memories for family members, this marks the beginning of a new era for the Makiha whānau.
Ponga Whānau Homestead
The Ponga homestead is situated at Parinui on the Whanganui river and the only access to this whare is via jetboat on the awa tupua. A 24-kilometer jetboat ride up the river, flanked by lofty cliffs, and a 3km uphill walk from the river bank, this homestead is the most remote of the series. The house, built by their tīpuna Te Whareponga, was left empty for many years and became dilapidated, and in serious need of repair. With no road access, they knew renovations would be difficult and costly. The Ponga whānau tells the inspiring story of how and why they overcame the many challenges to restore their homestead for their descendants.
Ngarimu Whānau Homestead
Situated in the Whareponga Valley, Maraeake is the name of the Ngarimu homestead where Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu VC was born. More than 100 years old and steeped in history, this house has no power, no reception, and occasionally no hot water. While this might be challenging for your average New Zealander, this whānau have made this house their home for generations, and living off the grid, hunting and harvesting their own kai is second nature.