Whānau (2001)

Decade spanning and award-winning, this series follows four Māori families before and after the birth of a child born in the year 2000. In this two-part opening instalment, couples Renei and Neil and Brandi and Maui are excited and anxious as they welcome their first child. For Maika and Joe and Rachel and Travis, the birth of their fourth and fifth babies respectively means new routines amid busy lives. Each family is keen to nurture their children's Māori identity; Kura Kaupapa teacher Mereana is immersing her four kids in te reo Māori, while new mums Brandi and Renei are supported by extended whānau.

It's a huge honour as a documentary maker to be welcomed into their lives and shown a level of trust.

– Writer/director Kay Ellmers on the Whānau documentary series

Key Cast & Crew

Deborah Faith

Cinematographer

Rachel House

Narrator

James Hall

Composer

Catherine White

Producer

Hinewehi Mohi

Composer

Kay Ellmers

Director, Executive Producer, Writer