Rangatira: In the Blood / He Toto i Tuku iho - Donna Awatere Huata

This edition of the Rangatira series chronicles the colourful life of Donna Awatere Huata: activist, opera singer, psychologist, businesswoman, author, Ngā Tama Toa member, ‘81 Tour protest leader, daughter of war hero-turned-murderer. Awatere Huata’s decades of dedication to Māori causes, including the promotion of literacy and education programmes, are reflected upon by Dr Ranginui Walker, Sir Roger Douglas, Tame Iti and Hana Te Hemara. Filmed here debuting in parliament as an ACT MP, Awatere Huata was later to be expelled from the party and convicted of fraud.

My vision for the future is for strong family life for every child. I want a world where Māori children are born into two-parent families, healthy, financially secure and – dare I say it – happy.

– Donna Awatere Huata in her 1996 maiden speech to Parliament

Key Cast & Crew

Alison Carter

Director

Paora Maxwell

Producer

Ritchie Campbell

Composer

Doug Braddock

Editor

Roimata Breiteneder

Associate Director

Hone Edwards

Reporter