Te Hamua Nikora

Ex rapper Te Hamua Nikora cut his screen teeth as an early presenter of pioneering Māori youth show Pūkana (back when it was called Tūmeke). Later he became well known as a host of Kai Time on the Road, and as the bald-headed, big-hearted frontman of popular Māori TV karaoke shows Homai te Pakipaki and its successor Sidewalk Karaoke. In 2017 he teamed up with Laughing Samoan Tofiga Fepulea’i, for comedy show Hamu and Tofiga. Nikora has stood twice for the Mana Party in the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate; he has hosted music and sports awards, Te Matatini, and is a motivational speaker and advocate for men’s health.

Working with Te Hamua Nikora on Homai te Pakipaki was fantastic. He loved presenting dangerous TV, and I love producing it. He is such a funny, talented guy — his interactions with our 'grassroots' whānua had so many classic moments. Homai te Pakipaki producer Erina Tamepo