Witi Underwater

Whale Rider creator Witi Ihimaera throws himself in the deep end of a full-immersion Māori language course that tests him to his limit.

Hosted and produced by Adam Dudding and Eugene Bingham

Witi Ihimaera looks up. Behind him and going over his shoulders is a graphic of water. Centered at the bottom is text that reads: "Witi Underwater."

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Ko wai au?

Episode 1
As he prepares to go back to school at the age of 80, Witi Ihimaera reveals the personal reason he's decided it is finally time to learn te reo Māori. Will it sustain him during the tough year ahead?
Against a blue water graphic is the text: "EPISODE ONE ko wai au?"

Te tohorā

Episode 2
Witi and his hoa akomanga go on a class trip, where he rediscovers old connections and finds he can’t escape his most famous character: the tohorā.
Against a blue water graphic is the text: "EPISODE TWO te tohorā"

Te hītori

Episode 3
Witi bore witness to famous moments in the revitalisation of te reo Māori, but will his depth of knowledge and mātauranga help him overcome his frustration and difficulties learning the language?
Against a blue water graphic is the text: "EPISODE THREE te hītori"

Te wheke

Episode 4
On a visit to a kōhanga reo, Witi creates a new story for the tamariki—one with a hidden meaning. Will it be acceptable for the rumaki assessment he needs to pass?
Against a blue water graphic is the text: "EPISODE FOUR te wheke"

Hoki mai

Episode 5
One final maunga stands ahead: Witi needs to stand and speak te reo Māori for an hour. Can he overcome the taniwha that have held him back in the past? And what is the future for te reo?
Against a blue water graphic is the text: "EPISODE FIVE hoki mai"

Introducing: Witi Underwater

Trailer
Whale Rider creator Witi Ihimaera throws himself in the deep end of a full-immersion Māori language course that tests him to his limit.
Witi Ihimaera looks up. Behind him and going over his shoulders is a graphic of water. Centered at the bottom is text that reads: "Witi Underwater."

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