Ngā Aho Whakaari Marks 30 Years of Advocacy and Excellence in Māori Screen Production

The Māori screen industry marked a major milestone on Thursday, 29 October 2026, as Ngā Aho Whakaari celebrated 30 years of advocacy and support for Indigenous filmmakers. Since its inception in the mid-1990s, the national association for Māori screen professionals has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Māori stories are told by Māori, through Māori perspectives, and on Māori terms. The anniversary reflects three decades of cultural leadership across Tāmaki Makaurau and the wider Aotearoa screen sector, as reported by Waatea News. Speaking on the legacy of the organisation, Whatanui Flavell, the current chairperson of Ngā Aho Whakaari, highlighted the growth and increasing strength of the Māori film sector as one of the primary achievements of the collective. Mr Flavell noted that the industry's evolution over the last thirty years reflects the dedication of Māori creators to their craft and their culture. The group has supported a wide range of professionals, including directors, producers, writers, actors, and technicians, focusing on moving beyond simple representation to ensure Māori creatives have genuine control over the development and ownership of their narratives. While celebrating these successes, Flavell also addressed ongoing challenges regarding recognition within the wider industry. He expressed concerns that Ngā Aho Whakaari has not yet received the full level of acknowledgment it deserves within the mainstream screen environment. Despite these hurdles, the 30-year anniversary serves as a testament to the resilience of Māori screen practitioners who have built a robust foundation for the workforce. This is particularly vital when dealing with whakapapa and mātauranga Māori, ensuring cultural integrity is maintained on the global stage. The milestone arrives during a period of significant transformation for the Aotearoa screen sector. The industry is currently navigating funding pressures, the rise of international streaming platforms, and the emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence. Ngā Aho Whakaari remains at the forefront of these discussions, raising critical questions regarding Māori intellectual property and the protection of taonga in the digital age. Looking toward the future, the organisation aims to support Māori-owned production companies and create sustainable pathways for rangatahi, ensuring that film and television continue to serve as powerful platforms for celebrating contemporary Māori experiences.