Heartland - Ruatāhuna

In this full-length episode from 1995, presenter Gary McCormick arrives in Ruatāhuna, heartland of the Tūhoe people — the "children of the mist". It focuses on the preparations and staging of the annual Tūhoe Festival, which features food, sport, kapa haka and debate. McCormick interviews local and national figures who express their feelings on the Tūhoe heritage — including well-known activist Tame Iti. Grievances of the past are highlighted, along with pride and hope for the future. This episode goes beyond the affable romanticism of much of the series to examine the uncomfortable edge of race relations in Aotearoa.

If you can imagine your home, right here in the middle of the valley, and then you imagine the walls to your fort are all these hills here — you can't help but feel a little bit comfortable.

– Teacher at Huiarau School and member of the Tūhoe Festival Committee, Matiu Tahi, sets the scene

Key Cast & Crew

Swami Hansa

Camera

Gary McCormick

Presenter

Dermot McNeillage

Editor

Bruce Morrison

Director

William Grieve

Producer

Tāme Iti

Subject