KA RERE TE MANU – Rangatahi Film Awards 2026!
PRESENTED BY MĀORILAND & E TŪ WHĀNAU
Held this Friday (May 8th) at the Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki, these awards celebrate Māori creativity, vision, and voice, showcasing short films by rangatahi aged 12–25 from across Te Ika a Māui. Funny, bold, and original, the films highlight a new generation of Māori storytellers.
“This kaupapa is about celebrating rangatahi perspectives and honouring their creativity.” says Māoriland Film Festival Director Madeleine Hakaraia de Young. With E Tū Whānau, many participants have moved into careers in the screen sector and beyond. Ka Rere Te Manu honours their efforts and lifts their achievements.
Since 2014, over 8,000 rangatahi have joined E Tū Whānau workshops, creating authentic stories and building creative skills with Māoriland mentors.
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 nears, it calls on Aotearoa to support rangatahi as leaders of today.
