Leaders of Film and Television Take The Stage in M9
He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari
Published: Tuesday 31 October, 2023
The final lineup for M9, the ground-breaking Māori oratory and performance event, has been announced. Awhina-Rose Ashby (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine), Edmund Eramiha (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tawake Ki Te Wāo Kū, Ngāti Hine), and Julian Arahanga (Ngāti Rangi, Te Āti Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi) will appear at Kiri Te Kawana Theatre on 16 November 2023 for the final instalment of the year - He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Whānau, Feeds and Fame.
Renowned for their abilities to captivate on screen and in film, curator Ria Hall says it is time to celebrate the many kanohi Māori who have paved a way in the film and television industry. “They will shed light on the profound impact of whānau, marae, hapū, iwi and other influences on their artistic journeys while candidly discussing the highs and lows of carving a path in the world of film and television.”
Presented by Matai Smith, the new kaikōrero join some of the most well-known and passionate actors and actresses in Aotearoa including:
- Te Kohe Tuhaka (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou)
- Kura Forrester (Ngāti Porou)
- Miriama Smith (Te Arawa)
- Ben Mitchell (Tainui, Ngāti Māhanga)
- Miriama McDowell (Ngāti Hine)
- Ngahuia Piripi (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa)
In this edition of M9, the kiripuaki (actors) will unveil their distinctive narratives of growing up and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing creativity within their communities. Emphasising the critical importance of Māori representation as a catalyst for positive change in both theatre and screen.
Accessible to all people of Aotearoa, M9 celebrates te ao Māori through whakaaturanga, whakaari, and whakawhiti kōrero - presentation, performance, and conversation. Event organisers janda (TUAWAHINE, Vodafone NZ Music Awards) started M9 with Ria Hall, as part of their kaupapa to set up world-class events and spaces that celebrate te ao Māori.
Full line up: Te Kohe Tuhaka, Kura Forrester, Miriama Smith, Ben Mitchell, Miriama McDowell, Ngahuia Piripi, Awhina-Rose Ashby, Edmund Eramiha and Julian Arahanga.
