This episode of Pioneer Women dramatises the life of Waikato leader Te Puea Herangi: from prodigal daughter to leader of the Tainui people. Te Puea helped establish the Kingitanga movement, and led Tainui to prosperity through wars, confiscation of their land, and an influenza epidemic. Future TV3 newsreader Joanna Paul plays Te Puea. Produced by Pamela Meekings-Stewart, the Pioneer Women series screened in a high profile slot on TV One, and challenged the view that white male statesmen were the only noteworthy figures in New Zealand colonial history.
Ka mahi au, ka inoi au, ka moe au, ka mahi ano' (I work, I pray, I sleep, and then I work again).– Te Puea's inscription in the meeting house at Motatau
NZ On Screen acknowledges the talent and creatives for allowing NZ On Screen to reproduce this title on this website
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