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Pōkarekare Ana - A Māori Love Song

Television (Full Length) – 2002

This 2002 documentary explores the stories behind one of Aotearoa’s most beloved songs: 'Pōkarekare Ana'. Claims for the authorship of the waiata aroha are examined, and Kiwis famous and lesser known reflect on the song’s place in the culture. Directed by Chas Toogood, the doco features classic performances: from St Joseph’s Girls’ Choir singing in the Waitomo Caves in 1960, to Inia Te Wiata going low in English, Kiri Te Kanawa soaring in concert, Hinewehi Mohi enlisting a 30,000 strong league crowd as backing singers, and sailing away in a 1987 America’s Cup campaign song. 

I wouldn’t call it a national anthem … I think it’s deeper than that.
– Howard Morrison

Produced by

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Greenstone TV

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Greenstone TV

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