HOMESTEADS
A factual series for Māori Television that uncovers the stories of eight homesteads through the eyes of the ahi kā that occupy them, highlighting the culturally significant role they’ve played in maintaining and strengthening Māori ties to their tūrangawaewae.
For generations, Māori have had to leave their tribal territories to pursue financial stability, opportunities and education. For many Māori that has meant a loss of language, culture and identity. But for those lucky enough to have a family homestead, it has been the one constant that keeps them grounded and connected, a place they can call home.
The series not only acknowledges homesteads as cultural pillars but also recognise our ahi kā that keep the home fires burning. While homesteads assert the physical presence of a whānau within their tribal territory, ahi kā maintain a social presence within the community and contribute consistently to the hapū on the families’ behalf. Being ahi kā is a thankless role that carries a lot of responsibility but both homesteads and ahi kā deserve to be acknowledged for the connection they’ve helped Māori retain.
This series has just been funded by Te Māngai Pāho and will be produced in 2022. Stay tuned for updates on the Homesteads series.