The Hokianga Initiative

Rangi-Haira Jaxon Greening is a professional 'sneaker colour-in-er' making a splash on the custom kicks scene. His mahi has made it onto the screens and soles all over the world. You've likely seen his work on social media where he often shares his work featuring Kiwi brands and culture. He can be found on Twitch where has built an amazing community that tunes in to watch him paint on camera and share a laugh (or twenty). He has customised kicks for sports, for leisure and loves the opportunity to share his culture. 

It was such a privilege to kōrero and learn from one of the most humble artists out there that we ran over time, so stay tuned for more episodes!

But for now, join us as we dive into those famous KFC shoes, his fame 'bucket list' and how all this started from tracing images onto baking paper...

You can find Gystforkickz here:

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/gystforkickz

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gystforkickz

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/gystforkickz/

In this episode, we chat with Nastassia Wolfgramm. Nastassia is a singer, writer, actress and has tried her hand at pretty much everything life has thrown her way. 

She has projects in the works but it is her spirit and resilience that truly makes Nastassia the amazing artist she is. She has so much to say, express and discovery about herself and we cannot wait to see what comes next for her.

Tune in as Levon and Nastassia discuss singing at home, cultural identity and how even the loss of a loved one can fuel a creative fire...

Once in a blue moon you may be lucky enough to meet someone who simply oozes creativity. On this episode, Levon shares a korero with one of those amazing people. Phulaphekt is a music artist and is releasing not one, but two incredible albums this year. This amazing man is finding ways to express himself 24/7, wither it's through a performance of his latest single or a spontaneous dance in the street. 

It was, and always is, an absolute privilege to share time with Phulaphekt. So, tune in as the boys discuss escapism, the influence of 'Billie Jean' and that special stranger you see on a bus...

Phulaphekt's work can be found on Spotify here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JKrKz5kz0jDsDn1KNflsb?si=UHZ4hA5XT4S1M6EqkX4a0A

It's finally here! In our first korero with guests, Levon dives deep with Hip-hop producer Envioso and writer/director/actor Hans Masoe. 

The boys discuss their heritage's influence on their work, working as an artist during Aotearoa's lockdown, the different ways of dealing with critiques and the stories they are yet to tell...

Check out Hans Masoe in 'Brown Boys' here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Yqo_t89p0&ab_channel=YouTubeMovies

And Envioso's beats here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GR8vGWDdG8FgSy1iI5xCg

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo-WFhvBJYr_eJGM03BjYQA

Welcome to the first episode... kind of... of The Hokianga Initiative!

In this episode, Curtis and Levon share a korero about what you can expect from listening in and what inspired them to make this series. 

They discuss how they got the idea for this podcast, the artists you can expect to hear from and a small little area known as Hokianga...