Ka Rere Te Manu: Celebrating the Next Generation of Māori Storytellers
Celebrate with us whānau!
As Matariki rises and we reflect on renewal, growth and the brilliance of our young people, the Māoriland Charitable Trust and E Tū Whānau proudly celebrate the rangatahi who soared at the 2025 Ka Rere Te Manu Film Awards.
Held on June 26th Ōtaki, the awards are a powerful expression of Māori creativity, vision and voice, showcasing short films by rangatahi aged 12–25 from across the Te Ika a Māui – the North Island. These films, which are funny, bold, emotional, and fiercely original – represent a new generation of Māori storytellers taking flight.
“This kaupapa is about celebrating rangatahi perspectives and honouring their creativity.” says Māoriland Film Festival Director, Madeleine Hakaraia de Young. “Alongside E Tū Whānau, we’ve supported many rangatahi engaged in this mahi into further work in the screen sector and other fields,” says Maddy. “Ka Rere Te Manu is about celebrating their efforts, and elevating their achievements. We have powerful storytellers here in Aotearoa, and our rangatahi are among the best.”
The 2025 winners of Ka Rere Te Manu are:
Best Film – Pīrere (Under 18): The Curse of the Dirty Dishes – Kāpiti College
Best Film – Pīpī Paopao (Under 14): Forest 21 – Pikopiko
Best Documentary – Pakipūmeka: Waka Hourua – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga
Best Use of Theme – Wai Ora: The Cliques – Ōtaki College
Best Performances – Pīrere (Under 18): He Ao Māori – TKKM o Porirua
Best Performances – Pīpī Paopao (Under 14): Crazy Aunty – Pikopiko
Best Performances – Under 12: Pīnati vs Tiamu – Pikopiko
Over 8,000 rangatahi have taken part in E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Workshops since 2014. Through these wānanga, Māoriland mentors work directly with rangatahi to craft authentic stories and develop creative skills that resonate far beyond the screen.
Filmmaking mentor Rhoen Hemara explains the kaupapa behind the name: “Ka Rere Te Manu comes from the whakataukī ‘mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu’—adorn the bird with feathers so it can take flight. That’s what this kaupapa is about: giving rangatahi the feathers they need to fly.”
As Matariki encourages us to honour the past and dream forward, Ka Rere Te Manu is a call to funders, supporters and communities across Aotearoa to invest in the future. These films – and the rangatahi behind them – are not just tomorrow’s talent, they are leaders of today.
