Tawhiti

Inspired by Māori oceanic prowess, Tawhiti follows five Māori astronauts who have returned to Earth after living on Mars for five years. The te reo short film follows the crew of NUKU as they visit their marae. NUKU captain Ruanui (Patara Berryman of Mai Time fame) wants to head back to Mars with his family, but his wife Rongo (Maraea Te Wara) is hōhā (annoyed) — "What kind of Māori are you? This is your home!". Director Tamati Ihaka made the sci-fi short film so Māori could "imagine themselves in a different way", and "reconnect with our explorer heritage."

Kauaka e kōrero teka mai e pā ana ki tō moemoeā. Kīhai koe i kite i te tangiweto a Hinehau i ia pō, i ia pō. (Don't give me your visionary junk! You didn't have to watch Hinehau crying every night.)

– Rongo (Maraea Te Wara) arguing with husband Ruanui (Patara Berryman) about his desire to return to Mars

Key Cast & Crew

Patara Berryman

As: Ruanui

Maraea Te Wara

As: Rongo

Tamati Ihaka

Director, Writer

Te Heihana Te Paki

As: Kereama

Braedon Bryers

As: Manu

Kahurangi Carter

As: Rangi