The story of Tūwhakairiora and his life’s mission to avenge the murder of his grandfather features in KAIRĀKAU 4, premiering 9.00PM Thursday 19 September.

Velvet Stone Media’s Lara Northcroft, producer of Kairākau 4 says she was stoked when Maruia Jensen agreed to be one of the directors on the series.

“It’s important to have whakapapa connections to the Kairākau kaupapa where possible and, being a writer of the series, Maruia knew the story better than most – a valuable asset on set for cast and crew,” says Lara Northcroft.

Writer and director Maruia Jensen (Te Whānau a Tūwhakairiora, Ngāti Rēhia) grew up with the story of Tūwhakairiora and likens the internecine warfare of 16th century Tairāwhiti to a Māori Game of Thrones.

“The battles themselves were legendary, but so too were the alliances forged between hapū,” says Maruia Jensen.

“I want the audience to feel like they’ve been transported back in time to witness first-hand how our ancestors not only survived but thrived. I want them to be captivated – like I was – by the extreme heartache and joy that our characters had to endure.”

“Most importantly I want the audience to admire and be inspired by the heroes that helped shape our history,” says Maruia Jensen.

Showrunner and series co-creator Rangi Rangitukunoa (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Maru) has been a part of Kairākau from the very beginning.

“Telling unique authentic Māori stories is a passion. When we created Kairākau, we had the vision of taking our tīpuna stories to the world, they’re that worthy,” says Rangi Rangitukunoa.

“Kairakau 4 shows we can do it, depth of story, authentically Māori, and a passionate crew. We’re living the dream,” he says.

KAIRĀKAU 4 was funded by Te Māngai Pāho and NZ On Air.

Seasons 1-3 of Kairākau are available on MĀORI+.

Coming up on KAIRĀKAU 4:

EPISODE 1 – Thursday 19 September 9.00 PM: When her father’s people turn on their chief and his entire family, Te Ataakura must run for her life, leaving behind all she’s known to give birth to her only hope, a son to seek utu: Tūwhakairiora.

EPISODE 2 – Thursday 26 September 9.00 PM: Born and raised to seek revenge and reclaim his birthright, Tūwhakairiora grows into a ruthless lone wolf. But given his enemy’s rise, he will need allies – fast – as he embarks on his life’s mission.

EPISODE 3 – Thursday 3 October 9.00 PM: Marriage to Ruataupare comes at a price: Tūwhakairiora finds himself caught in a political dog fight, as a spy reports his every move to his ever more powerful enemy.

EPISODE 4 – Thursday 10 October 9.00 PM: Tūwhakairiora sets out to eliminate all who don’t support him – only to be offered the chance to save someone he once thought dead. But doing so means risking it all.

EPISODE 5 – Thursday 17 October 9.00 PM: On the eve of the deciding battle, Tūwhakairiora is caught up in unexpected mind games with an enemy that’s never been stronger, and a last minute side mission ends badly.

EPISODE 6 – Thursday 24 October 9.00 PM: The climactic battle begins – Tūwhakairiora takes on his deceitful enemy, encounters betrayal, heartbreak, and an ominous new foe he knows all too well.

‍