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Claudette Hauiti — Media, Politics, Identity & Belonging

In this episode of Takatāpui Talk, Donald Hollingsworth sits down with broadcaster, political journalist, media leader, sports enthusiast, and proud mother Claudette Hauiti.

From her upbringing in Aotearoa to her years in the media spotlight and the halls of Parliament, Claudette shares a deeply personal journey of identity, courage, and finding her place in the world. Together, Donald and Claudette explore what it was like growing up as Takatāpui, the importance of remaining connected to whenua, whānau and te ao Māori, and the changing visibility of rainbow communities in Aotearoa.

They reflect on the groundbreaking Māori Television series Takatāpui, discuss Claudette's experiences in the Press Gallery holding political leaders to account, and revisit the moments that shaped her understanding of who she was and who she could become.

This is a conversation filled with humour, honesty, insight and reflection — a reminder that our stories matter, our voices matter, and that being seen can change lives.

Topics include:
• Growing up Takatāpui in Aotearoa
• Whānau, identity and belonging
• The impact of Māori Television's Takatāpui series
• Women in sport and leadership
• Journalism, politics and speaking truth to power
• Visibility, representation and resilience

Real conversations. Real voices. Our stories.

Hosted by Donald Hollingsworth.

Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth.

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Our conversations.
Our stories.
Our voices.

Arohanui.