As planning begins for the 12th Māoriland Film Festival, Māoriland is set to continue its succession program, Ngā Pakiaka Tātai Tauatanga. This mentorship initiative prepares young Māori arts producers for leadership roles as part of its long-term strategy. By placing rangatahi in key festival positions, the program reinforces Māoriland’s commitment to fostering Indigenous talent, offering hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned arts professionals.

At Māoriland, supporting rangatahi has been central to its success. The tuakana-teina philosophy—rooted in mentorship and reciprocal learning—shapes Māoriland’s activities, ensuring genuine involvement and leadership opportunities for rangatahi creatives. This commitment is embodied in Te Uru Maire, the Māoriland Rangatahi Strategy, recognised globally as a leading model for engaging emerging talent.

“Succession planning is at the heart of Māoriland,” says Māoriland’s founding director, Libby Hakaraia, “Since the establishment of Māoriland’s rangatahi leadership group - Ngā Pakiaka in 2016 we have fostered many emergent leaders who have distinguished themselves through their abilities, actions, and characteristics that inspire others to follow them. They often display strong communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, and a sense of initiative. They may also demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude in challenging situations.”

In 2023, following years of mentorship, founding Festival Director Libby Hakaraia appointed Madeleine Hakaraia de Young to lead the festival. 

“When we started Māoriland, I was fresh out of uni, and over the past ten years, I was nurtured into the role I’m in today. It’s a responsibility that really hit me on the opening morning of our 2024 festival - who is next? As a team, we’re focused on preparing the next generation of leaders to carry our kaupapa forward with strength and sustainability.”

In its inaugural year, with support from Creative New Zealand, Ngā Pakiaka Tātai Tauatanga welcomed three emerging Māori producers, or teina, into the Māoriland team: Ethan Seddon Cope as the MATCH Exhibition Coordinator, Jasmine Day as Guest Services and Industry Coordinator, and Rhoen Hemara as Social Media Coordinator and Content Creator. These young leaders, working alongside experienced tuakana mentors, have already made a strong impact with their unique skills, energy, and ideas.

“I learned so much about the behind-the-scenes work that brings this festival to life,” shared Jasmine Day, reflecting on her role coordinating guest services. “There are so many moving parts, and Māoriland is truly a grassroots movement. I admire the kaupapa, and I’m excited to continue learning how to manaaki our guests and support Indigenous filmmakers sharing their stories.”

This hands-on approach to mentorship was foundational to the program's success, giving the teina space to learn and contribute their own perspectives. “Each of these young leaders has brought their own flair to the mahi,” said Madeleine Hakaraia de Young. “They’re not just learning—they’re helping shape the festival in real-time.”

For MFF2025, Ngā Pakiaka Tātai Tāuatanga has been rolled into Māoriland’s Te Uru Maire - Māori Trades Training Program. This expanded program will enroll up to 10 participants in 12 week programs that combine training and work to extend their skills in roles such as programming, venue management, and community engagement within the Māoriland Film Festival environment.

Through Ngā Pakiaka Tātai Tauatanga, Māoriland will be prepared for the future, ensuring that a network of capable, culturally grounded leaders is ready to take the reins. “It’s important for arts organisations to look toward the future,” Hakaraia de Young says. “This program is about building the skills and confidence rangatahi need to lead sustainably to grow our kaupapa for years to come.”

Find out more about Ngā Pakiaka Tātai Tāuatanga at mff.maorilandfilm.co.nz