Kōkā: Spiritual road-trip movie hits some potholes
Kōkā, directed by Kath Akuhata-Brown, is in cinemas now.
Released in time for Matariki, Kōkā is the tale of Jo, a young wahine Māori whose life is going off the rails, and Hamo, the kuia whose history drives her to help the girl get back on track.
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NZ Herald
18 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Rotorua to celebrate the increasing number of Māori writers
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Scoop
18 hours ago
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‘Whiro' Rises As Kōkōuri Releases Second EP In Three-Part Series
Today, as Whiro rises in the sky, Kōkōuri releases 'Whiro', the second instalment in its bold, three-part waiata series showcasing powerful Māori storytelling. Recorded over three days at Roundhead Studios, 'Whiro' introduces five new tracks, continuing the mix of established and emerging voices including Pere, HAAMI, Rei and the returning voices of Chey Milne and Whirimako Black. In continuation of the alignment with Maramataka Māori, following on from the first EP 'Hoata' in June, ringarehe of Kōkōuri, Hana Mereraiha says 'Whiro' explores the themes of the new moon phase from vulnerability, resilience, transmuting, healing and the fertile ground of new beginnings 'According to Professor Rangi Mātāmua, the Whiro moon phase represents darkness, introspection, and potential. It is a time for planting intentions, acknowledging uncertainty, and sitting with the unseen forces that stir within us.' says Mereraiha. The established and emerging Māori artists producers and mātanga reo Māori on 'Kōkōuri' drew inspiration from the maramataka in a powerful celebration of Māori storytelling through waiata. 'Each track is a sonic offering to the unseen world, woven with reo, memory, and emotion, guiding listeners through the layers of darkness toward transformation,' says Mereraiha. WHIRO - EP Two Released 25.07.25 1. Tōku Hiatō – Pere | Produced by Kings 2. Good Friday – HAAMI | Produced by Seth Haapu & Rei 3. Te Wehenga – Chey Milne | Produced by Kings 5. Kēkerewai (Say That Thing) – Whirimako Black | Produced by Noema Te Hau III Visually, 'Whiro' features the second piece of art by taiao inspired ringatoi Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp, and ties the EP back to 'Hoata' and Kōkōuri.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Exhibition blends arcade games, Māori design
Tūhura Otago Museum pasifika engagement co-ordinator Leota Meredith tries her hand at one of the reimagined video games featured in the "Arca Arcade: Round One" exhibition. PHOTO: CHARLIE BUCHAN Contemporary design and cultural storytelling come together in a unique exhibition now open at Tūhura Otago Museum. "Arca Arcade: Round One" is a display of fully playable retro gaming machines created by designer Preston McNeil, of Wellington. Mr McNeil said he wanted to create something that honoured both the history of arcade gaming and the richness of contemporary Aotearoa art. "These machines are a love letter to every kid who dropped their last 20 cents into a game they knew they could not win, but tried anyway. "Blending those memories with the depth and craft of Māori design has created something I never imagined I would be able to build." "Arca Arcade" integrates te ao Māori, whakairo (carving) and worked pounamu with classic video game culture. The machines are adorned with original artwork from contemporary artists including Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan and Otis Chamberlain. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to play the games housed inside each uniquely designed cabinet. Tūhura Otago Museum pasifika engagement co-ordinator Leota Meredith said playing the games brought back memories. "Back in my prime, we used to call these games 'choice'. It was all about challenging your mates. "You would only find them at the local dairy and playing felt like a special occasion." Players once had to pay 20 cents, which was a significant amount then, so every game mattered. "It's great to play them again; it brings back so many memories. And having them free now? Even better." Tūhura Otago Museum head of exhibitions and design Craig Scott said Dunedin was already a hub for digital innovation and home to creative gaming talent. "We are proud to partner with Code, the Centre of Digital Excellence, to present this exhibition and show young people what is possible when design, technology and culture collide. "This is about inspiring as much as it is fun nostalgia." • "Arca Arcade: Round One" runs until September 21 in the Beautiful Science Gallery.
