Kia Ora Molweni - Series

In Kia Ora Molweni, senior students from five kura kaupapa Māori travel to South Africa for a cultural exchange, sharing their experiences in te reo Māori. Hosted by families from a range of local cultural communities, including Xhosa and Afrikaans, the students immerse themselves in daily life — learning local customs, traditional foods, and household routines. Through kōrero about racism and race relations, they reflect on the contrasts between South Africa and Aotearoa. Produced by George Andrews for Māori Television with support from Te Māngai Pāho, the documentary was praised by Dr Pita Sharples for the students' genuine and wholehearted expression of Māori culture. Read the full episode guide here. 

Ko ngā mahara ka tino mau ki tāku whatumanawa ko ngā whānau. Ko aroha ahau ki tē whenua nei ki nga ahuatanga katoa o tē whenua nei / What I’ll remember most are the families. I have fallen in love with this country and everything about it.

– Juneea Silbery reflects on her experience in South African, in episode six

Key Cast & Crew

Mahanga Pihama

Director, Editor, Camera

Hinurewa Poutu

Language Consultant, Associate Producer

Peter Lee

Editor, Camera

George Andrews

Creator, Producer

Peter Barrett

Online Editor

Melissa Wikaire

Commissioning Editor