Māoriland Tech Creative Hub (M.A.T.C.H) Celebrates Graduation of Promising Talent in Animation, Film, and Sound

The Māoriland Tech Creative Hub (M.A.T.C.H) is proud to announce the graduation of this year’s M.A.T.C.H Creative Intensifier program, a 12-week kaupapa Māori workplace training program in Animation, Film and Audio. 

This unique educational initiative based at the Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki combines an Indigenous worldview and cutting-edge technology to empower aspiring Māori and Pasifika creators. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and tools necessary to excel in the ever-evolving fields of animation, film, and sound.

Over the course of the 12 weeks, rangatahi had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of projects and learn from industry professionals including Briar Grace Smith, Ryan Alexander Lloyd, Dave Whitehead, Nick Ward, Samson Rambo, and more.

The film pathway provided an opportunity for participants to get a glimpse into the many realms of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to editing. Rangatahi wrote, directed, shot, and edited a range of short video and digital content. For their final project, the film students teamed up to crew their own narrative short film that they developed from script to screen.

The animation pathway took students through several animation styles and softwares, including 2D animation using Procreate, 3D animation using Unreal Engine, and Blender. Each rangatahi created their own animation to showcase the skills they learnt throughout the 12 week course.

The sound pathway made great use of the Māoriland He Paki Taketake audio studio, where they got first-hand experience in audio production for film and television. Rangatahi also tried their hand at field recording, and music composition. For their final project, students created a musical composition inspired by native birds.

The 2023 M.A.T.C.H cohort graduated at a special event on November 10 at the Māoriland Hub, where each student presented their final project and shared their experience in the M.A.T.C.H course. Whānau and friends supported them as they showcased their new skillset.

The M.A.T.C.H class of 2023 is:

  • Waiongana Weeks
  • Rawiri Rikihana-Sinclair
  • Ethan Seddon-Cope
  • Cassady Rukutia
  • Hikairo Pasene-Hughes
  • Tahuaroa Ohia
  • Te Paea Whaanga

 

About M.A.T.C.H

M.A.T.C.H, the Māoriland Tech Creative Hub, provides valuable workplace training programs for rangatahi Māori aged 17 and above in Animation, Film, and Audio within a kaupapa Māori environment at the Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki. 

Through rigorous training, hands-on experience, and mentorship, M.A.T.C.H equips participants with essential skills for successful careers in Screen, Animation, and Events. We aim to establish sustainable pathways to high-value, long-term employment for rangatahi from Ōtaki and the Kāpiti Coast. 

Beyond training, M.A.T.C.H embodies a commitment to empower rangatahi Māori, nurture their talents, and contribute to a brighter future for them, their communities, and the creative industries.

If you would like to work with M.A.T.C.H graduates, or would like to register your interest for M.A.T.C.H in 2024, please email [email protected]

Link to work: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-QeVvaIDaoiUV-wigAnIdgmw3Ga-3YzB