Kia Ora, Good Evening

Television (Full Length) – 2022

In Kia Ora, Good Evening, veteran journalist and newsreader Mike McRoberts steps out of his comfort zone. The documentary follows McRoberts as he commits to learning te reo Maori and reconnects with his Ngāti Kahungunu roots. In his public role as a polished newsreader, McRoberts hid his whakamā (shame) at not speaking te reo and being a 'real' Maori. His whānau discuss their mixed heritage and the racism their parents experienced as a couple. McRoberts' emotional exploration of his identity includes receiving a tā moko and delivering his first whaikōrero (te reo speech) on his father's marae.

I'm not going to lie — it's been really hard. Sometimes I've just been in tears about how frustrated I'm feeling, how slow it seems to be coming to me.
– Mike McRoberts opens up about his te reo journey