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Conversations With My Immigrant Parents

3m

Immigrant whānau across Aotearoa have frank conversations covering love, ancestry, home, food, expectation, and acceptance.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

8 episodes

Not Your White Boy

From Botswana to Nelson to Pōneke, Judah and his sons Tafara and Pako have experienced multiple communities. They talk about fruit picking, single dad life, and dreams in different languages.
Season 2/Episode 1
10m

Independence Is Great, but It's Not All It's Cracked Up to Be

When 11-year-old Anique left Sri Lanka, she thought it’d be temporary. Almost two decades later, she talks with brother Navin and mum Sushani about guilt, obligation, and what freedom really means.
Season 2/Episode 2
6m

V.I.P.

After four years studying in Dunedin, Alby has just moved back in with his mum Lina in Naenae. The two of them discuss Lina’s career, Alby’s grief, and who our lives are lived for.
Season 2/Episode 3
9m

Red Chicken with the Big Wings

It took Juliana eight long years to gain residency after moving here from Brazil. She and her mum Nadmea discuss New Zealand’s flawed immigration system, second chances, and Tinder-ing in your 50s.
Season 2/Episode 4
5m

Side by Side

Sisters Avi and Eva sit down with their daughters and talk about white men who travel to Indonesia, the fetishisation of Asian women, and leading parallel lives in Whangārei.
Season 2/Episode 5
7m

My Dad Is My Mum

In Kirikiriroa, Donally and her father Alfredo discuss parenting that contradicts society’s expectations, how Filipino men are expected to ‘get on with it,’ and life after tremendous grief.
Season 2/Episode 6
9m

Homesick on the Marae

Arriving from Fiji, newlywed Halima Stewart headed straight to Tapu Te Ranga Marae, where she raised three kids with husband Bruce. She talks with her two youngest about navigating different cultures.
Season 2/Episode 7
8m

Something Far Greater than This

How do we search for something we’ve never seen? The last episode of the series sees the Arif whānau reflect on their years in Aotearoa and dream of a better future.
Season 2/Episode 8
6m

S1 & S2 - Made possible by the

RNZ/NZ On Air Joint Innovation Fund

S3 - Made with the support of

Partner Logo for NZ on Air for use on dark background

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  • Cook's Legacy

    The government has poured millions of dollars into commemorating Captain Cook's arrival, but why? Many Pākehā are unhappy with this celebration of colonisation, and demand we start taking responsibility.
    Land of the Long White Cloud/Episode 1
    6m

  • Kareem

    Originally from Egypt, Kareem shows us his absolute love of tennis as a way to connect with the community.
    This Is Us/Episode 1
    2m

  • Tangata Whenua

    The first episode tackles the settlement of Aotearoa. From Polynesian travelers, right through to British and European settlers.
    The Citizen's Handbook/Season 1/Episode 1
    11m

  • Edward Osei-Nketia

    At 19, Eddie Osei-Nketia is the fastest person in Australasia, and is looking to break the New Zealand 100m record.
    The Outliers/Episode 1
    7m

  • Simonne Butler

    In 2003, Simonne Butler survived a horrific attack at the hands of her abusive partner. In this episode, Simonne shares her story and insights into how to identify and survive domestic abuse.
    Breaking Silence/Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • Josh Davies

    Josh has 15% vision in his good eye. City life with four senses sounds easy!
    Inside Outside/Episode 1
    7m

  • The Announcement

    Blindspott’s Marcus Powell gathers Crescendo Trust’s most promising emerging artists and offers them the biggest opportunity of their lives. Will they overcome their demons to pull it off?
    The Collective/Episode 1
    16m

  • Fine Arts

    We meet three fine artists whose work transcends gallery walls: sculptor Yona Lee, interdisciplinary artist Yuki Kihara, and painter Simon Kaan.
    ASIA: Art Stories in Aotearoa/Episode 1
    22m

  • Ranginui Walker: Reclaiming Māori Education

    Starting off with a bang, the team dissect Ranginui Walker's chapter of the renowned book Decolonisation in Aotearoa. The team has a go at translating a bit of Reclaiming Māori Education -- check in to hear if it's an A+ pass or not.
    Whakamāori/Season 1/Episode 1
    36m

  • Chinese

    We meet the Chinese community in Dunedin and learn about one of Aotearoa’s most established migrant communities
    GIANTS/Episode 1
    26m

  • Misty Frequency

    Drag icon Misty Frequency kaupapa is to celebrate autistic and Takatāpui excellence. They are looking to storm the stage at the Drag Wars competition with a cash prize up for grabs.
    What's the Disabili-Tea/Episode 1
    8m

  • Shareef

    Drugs, lies and regret became a reality for Shareef after an encounter with some local gang affiliates, but growing up in the North has shaped this proud takatāpui into who he is today.
    The Barber Shop/Episode 1
    6m

  • Kōtiro

    Jess sits down with Māori-Jewish talent Ana Chaya Scotney to discuss her thrilling debut album, dawn ocean swimming, and how she creates her singular “high lonesome sound."
    Amplified/Episode 1
    15m

  • Episode 1

    Clothing expression is important to Wairua. Mia connects with her culture by spending time away. Lavi talks about cultural expectations. Theia feels welcomed by her own and judged by others.
    Duality/Episode 1
    21m

  • Episode 1

    Piripi takes us on a tour of his kingdom, introducing his girlfriend Luxy and showcasing his many talents, which include cleaning the whare and doing the lawns... NOT!
    The Adventures of Piripi Kaiwaru AKA Phillip! /Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • The Unofficial Biography of Soph & Indy

    Two 20-something year olds, Sophia Malthus and Indy Henman, chat about how Sophia became quadriplegic at age 19 and why her cousin Indy became her carer with no prior healthcare experience.
    This Is Wheel Life with Soph & Indy/Episode 1
    4m

  • Mohi

    Mohi Allen weaves smokey jazz, pop and te reo Māori together to create a unique and smooth sound, reminding us of decades past.
    Imposter/Episode 1
    9m

  • The Driving Lesson

    When Trish, a spirited mother, decides to give her son Mana a driving lesson, what was intended to be a simple rite of passage quickly escalates into a chaotic encounter.
    A Place Called Te Awamutu/Episode 1
    5m

  • Jason

    Summer at Penguin Place can be hectic, as Jason juggles hoiho (yellow-eyed-penguin) rescues, daily feeding sessions, tour groups, and bird releases - all in a day’s work!
    The Turning Point/Episode 1
    13m

  • Tyrell

    Tyrell Taylor found a like-minded community of BMX riders, where rangatahi are given a chance to expand their skill set, be mentored, and be seen as equals. He reminds us not to forget what makes you happy.
    No Limits/Episode 1
    11m

  • IllumiNGĀTI

    Sibling vocalists Raiha, Hōrihi, & Hāne lead IllumiNgāti, a reggae band from Kawakawa covering Dave Para’s "You’re Magic" & debuting their bilingual single, "Illusion."
    The Barber Shop Sessions/Episode 1
    6m

  • Short Film

    Our Aotearoa is an animated documentary that speaks to immigrants’ personal experiences living in Aotearoa, exploring themes of racism, discrimination, loss, loneliness, and maintaining cultural ties while living in another country.
    Our Aotearoa/
    10m

  • Kāinga (Film)

    Kāinga navigates the thorny terrain of home in Aotearoa New Zealand from the perspectives of 8 Pan-Asian women.
    Kāinga/
    1h 27m

  • Serenade

    Mac helps a Palagi boy win over an island girl with an original song.
    I Got You/Season 1/Episode 1
    4mvertical

  • Meet and Greet

    It's the highly anticipated first day of the netball season, aka Jim's send-off. Will Kate be able to assemble her team of misfits in time?
    Here If You Need/Episode 1
    9m

  • Documentary

    Ruamata captures the journey of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata's rise to the top of hockey in Aotearoa as they become the first Māori immersion school in a century to compete in the prestigious Rankin Cup.
    Ruamata: It's More Than Hockey/Episode 1
    1h 0m

  • Yeah Pare

    Lost at the night markets, Janjan tries to find his parents. While searching, he befriends Kiuga, who takes him on a fantastical journey to find his loved ones.
    Day One Shorts/Episode 1
    10m

  • Kia Tupato (Be Careful)

    With tensions rising between the new government and tangata whenua, Wayne and his traffic-management crew brace for the biggest Waitangi Day celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand's history.
    Hi-Vis/Episode 1
    6m

  • Out There

    Zoologist-turned-filmmaker Alexis Smith joins a mysterious network in New Zealand dedicated to communicating with extraterrestrials.
    Loading Docs/Season 10/Episode 1
    13m

  • Lau Yuet Seen

    It was September 1938 when Lau Yuet Seen received word from her husband to leave Fah Dei for Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Japanese troops were close to landing north of Hong Kong.
    Farewell Guangdong/Episode 1
    22m

  • Inspiration to Write

    Nina Mingya Powles (writer & poet) grew up near Katherine Mansfield's Wellington home. KM ‘loomed’ over her childhood. Powles & graphic artist Sarah Laing make Mansfield a contemporary character.
    Shine On Katherine Mansfield/Episode 1
    7m

Video section home

An adult person is holding a young child in their arms and hugging them. Text reads, "Blind Bitter Happiness".
A multi-media illustration of four different figures in different art styles. Text reads, "Our Aotearoa".
Black and white image of a portion of an All Blacks rugby team photo. Men standing with arms folded looking at the camera wearing sports uniforms. Text reads, "All Blacks at War".
A person on a BMX bike jumping over the camera, silhouetted against a cloudy sky. Text reads, "No Limits".
A half light purple and half yellow background with host, Josh Thomson, in the centre. Behind him are black and white images of six historical figures from various time periods. They have been superimposed so that they appear in a staggered star burst sort of pattern. Yellow text reads, "My Favourite Dead Person".
Side profile of a persons face, silhouetted against a setting sun out of frame. Text reads, "Imposter".
A man wearing a kākahu (clothing garment) and holding a hīrau (waka paddle). Text reads, "Te Kawau ki Tai. The Story of a Waka".
Text reads, "Treaty Talks Aotearoa, Hosted by Kara Rickard". Surrounding the text is an image of a version of the Coat of Arms, the 'Crown' figure is holding a Māori flag.
Guyon Espiner on a black background, looking at camera with logo behind him
Text reads, "Mata Reports". It sits on a dark grey background. Along the top of the image is a kōwhaiwhai pattern.
A man looking into the camera with his mouth slightly open. His left eye is bugged out in a comically over the top way. Text reads, "A Place Called Te Awamutu".
A man standing in front of a mural of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag (Māori flag). Text reads, "Hori on a Hīkoi".
A bagpipe band stand in a field ready to perform. The text reads: "12,000 Miles from NZ to the Green."
Black text on a beige background, text reads "Fight for the Wild". Behind the text are three illustrations, one is of New Zealand the other is a disembodied head of a Tūī and the third is a fantail.
The host, Mihingarangi Forbes, smiling at the camera. Text reads, "Mata".
Two men embracing in a MMA octagon ring. They look sweaty post match. It's dark around them but they are standing in a spotlight. Text reads, "Fighting Chance".
A brightly colours grid of squares where some of the squares include the faces of the five hosts of Whakamāori
A large group of people protesting, they're all holding signs. Text reads, "Hīkoi, Speaking Our Truth".
6 people are seated around a long table, four of them are wearing hi-vis tops. On the table there are little traffic cones and signs. There are two flags hanging on the wall behind them, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand and the Maori flag. Orange text reads, "Hi-Vis".
A man in traditional Māori dress and a full face tā moko is standing in the forest. He is holding a wooden pole object. Text reads, "NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau".
A yellow baroque style wallpaper. A white line drawing of a house is in the bottom right corner. White handwritten text reads, "Kāinga".
A background image made up of red orange and blue shapes. Text reads, "Shine One Katherine Mansfield" in the 'O' is a black and white photograph of Katherine Mansfield's face.
A man operating a cannon, theres smoke coming out of it and a man next to it holding his hands over his ears. Text reads, "NZ Wars: Stories of Waitara".
Eight seperate images edited into two rows of four, each showing different images of people and art. Text reads, "Marauders".