With her deep understanding of Māori education and international indigenous knowledge, Mera shares her whakaaro on the successes we’ve achieved while thoughtfully highlighting opportunities for growth. 

From equipping our rangatahi with a deeper understanding of our country’s political context to exploring spaces where wāhine Māori can thrive further in their reclamation journey and much more, Mera’s insights offer a thought-provoking vision for the future. 

Catch the newest full episode of Indigenous 100 now on YouTube or Spotify to hear more from Mera Penehira.

From the historic battles at Ruapekapeka and Ōrākau to the ongoing responses from te iwi Māori today, these actions are all interlinked in addressing our concerns to the King or Queen of the time and the government of the day. This relentless fight reflects our determination, strength, perseverance, and deep, innate ties to this whenua.

To hear more from Te Ururoa in his full interview, head over now to Spotify or YouTube.

#Aotearoa #NewZealand #Māori #Indigenous100 #motivationalspeakers #indigenousleaders #nzpolitics #education

Honey Hireme-Smiler knew her talent was something special from a young age. By the time she was 10, she was making rep teams and playing in the Northern Zones, so it was clear she was on a path to something extraordinary—even if it meant leaving her brothers a few steps behind!

To hear more of Honey’s story, her humor, and her incredible journey on Indigenous 100, head over to YouTube or  listen here on Spotify now to catch the full interview.

Balancing the demands of many different kaupapa is no small feat, but Tuku Morgan has spent decades mastering the art. Through challenges, obstacles, and countless battles, his focus has always remained steadfast: the wellbeing of his people and a thriving future for the next generation.

Tuku Morgan is a straight shooter – his full podcast and extended interview is now available now via Spotify and YouTube. 🎙️

By day, she handles a steady stream of engagements with government leaders, heads of state, and royalty. Yet, at the heart of her role as Aotearoa’s first wahine Māori Governor-General, lies a deep commitment to serving Aotearoa and improving outcomes for a nation. 

In the latest episode of Indigenous 100, the Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro opens up about her journey—sharing personal stories, experiences, hopes, and what keeps her grounded while driving her vision forward.

Dame Cindy’s full episode is now available on YouTube and Spotify, a powerful kōrero about leadership, equity, and humanity. 

Mea Motu is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional boxing, representing her Māori roots with pride and strength. 

Known as “Nightmea” in the ring, Mea has captivated audiences worldwide with her resilience, skill, and determination. 

She’s not only a champion boxer but also a powerful advocate for Māori women, inspiring others through her journey of overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries. 

With a relentless spirit, Mea continues to pave the way for the next generation, showing what it means to fight with both heart and purpose.

The full podcast is available on both Spotify and YouTube.

Ranked 4th in the UFC flyweight rankings, Kaiwhare Kara-France embodies the resilience of a true warrior. With 24 wins under his belt, he’s undeterred by setbacks, including controversial losses. 

Descended from Waikato, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngārauru, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi, Kara-France infuses his fighting spirit with the teachings of his ancestors. A proud Māori who wears his heart on his sleeve, he honours his heritage through te reo Māori and tikanga both in and out of the octagon. 

Having turned to martial arts after facing childhood bullying, Kara-France now champions its values across Aotearoa. Besides his professional fighting career, he coaches the Warriors NRL team, enhancing their wrestling technique for UFC 300. 

Training at CKB City Kickboxing alongside UFC legend Israel Adesanya under coach Andre Baremen, Kara-France embodies comradery and dedication. In a candid podcast with Julian Wilcox on Indigenous 100, he shares insights into life’s challenges, juggling fatherhood, marriage, and fighting while promoting Māori culture. 

Kaiwhare Kara-France’s journey exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and embrace their cultural heritage.

Dive into the remarkable career of New Zealand rugby league figure, Adam Ngawati Blair. .

A former professional rugby league player and coach, Blair excelled as a prop, second-row forward, and lock in the NRL, representing both the New Zealand and New Zealand Māori international teams.

Starting with his junior football days at Northland Carvers and education at Whangarei Boys’ High School, Blair was recruited by the Melbourne Storm at 16. His journey led him to Brisbane, where he played for the feeder club Norths Devils, alongside Greg Inglis during his time at Wavell State High School.

Having played for the Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, and the New Zealand Warriors, Blair faced various challenges throughout his career. He was part of the New Zealand team that won the 2008 World Cup and showcased his leadership skills as the team’s captain. His contributions to Rugby League were acknowledged with the appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021. 

Explore the depth of Adam Ngawati Blair’s sporting journey here on Indigenous 100.

Jenny May Clarkson, a well-known broadcaster and host on Breakfast TV, was born and raised in the Waikato region. Prior to her career in the media industry, she served as a police officer and was also a successful athlete, having played as a Silver Fern centre and touch player. 

Interestingly, Jenny May’s journey to the world of television began when she participated in a singing competition in Waikato, where she was discovered and her talent was recognized. Since then, she has made a name for herself as a prominent television personality, admired for her professionalism, charisma, and engaging on-air presence. 

Despite her busy schedule, Jenny May is a devoted māmā to her whānau and tamariki, and she takes great pride in her role as a mother. Her commitment to her family and her work is truly admirable, and she is a great inspiration to many.

In this episode of Indigenous 100, we sat down with the talented and dedicated woman to learn more about her beginnings as a broadcaster, her time as a sportswoman and more.

Sir Hirini Moko Mead is a well-known Māori leader in Aotearoa; highly respected for his expertise in te reo Māori and te ao Māori. In 2007, he received the title of Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to Māori culture and education over the decades. 

Sir Hirini started his career as a teacher and artis, serving as a principal at various schools and later taught anthropology at several international universities before returning to New Zealand in 1977. He established the first Māori studies department in the country. Later in his career, Sir Hirini became a prominent Māori advocate, representing several tribes in negotiations and serving on advisory boards. He has authored several publications on te ao Māori and currently chairs the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. 

We had the privilege of talking to this extraordinary Māori leader about his life, achievements, and more.