In this new series, Māori and Muslims share their stories to connect

By Fourplait

"Something I find really challenging about being in Aotearoa is also something I find really beautiful… Everybody is focused on celebrating what makes us all the same. 

“However it often glosses over what makes us different... not taking the time to respect those differences causes a lot of discomfort and tension." 

Ahi Wānanga (the fires of discussion) is a six-part web series exploring what identity, belonging and resilience is to 12 young people from Aotearoa’s Muslim and Māori communities. 

Each episode features a pair of Māori and Muslim young people with a shared passion in poetry, psychology, photography, football, art or music. Despite coming from different cultures, they’ve found connection in their differences and similarities.

Watch the series now on TVNZ+ and YouTube.

Made by Fourplait with the support of NZ On Air. 

All Episodes7

How these Muslim and Māori musicians honour their whakapapa through music

‘I think something really special about our friendship is that we don’t have the same background.’

A Palestinian and a Māori artist on how their art is a form of activism

‘It's been a way for me to reflect my compassion and solidarity.’

How these Māori and Muslim footballers are kicking stereotypes

‘We should be able to play any sport regardless of what you see other people of our culture doing.’

A Muslim and a Māori photographer share their culture through their cameras

‘All of my work promotes, celebrates, and shows the beauty of the Māori world.’

How we find forgiveness and gratitude after tragedy

‘It's this overwhelming realisation that people can be kind without any barriers.’

What ‘belonging’ means to two poets who grew up away from their tūrangawaewae

‘Poetry has really created a voice for me.’

In this new series, Māori and Muslims share their stories to connect

Ahi Wānanga explores what identity, belonging and resilience is to 12 Muslim and Māori young people.

Ahi Wānanga

Ahi Wānanga (the fires of discussion) is a six-part web series exploring what identity, belonging and resilience is to 12 young people from Aotearoa’s Muslim and Māori communities.

Read2

I lost my mum in the Christchurch attack. Here’s what I learned about grief

‘Just because we are young does not mean we don’t have the capacity to be strong.’

Why these directors paired Māori and Muslim voices in a new series

Ahi Wānanga features 12 young Māori and Muslims who share their stories to connect.

View all series