#17 UTU: Restoring Balance

Send us Fan MailThis episode we speak openly to Aperehama-Rua, Coley, and Haati Bei about the journey to set things right after the past Hīkoi of Iwi Whakamahu – Heal the Nation, and the path they are now walking through UTU. Discussing personal thoughts, experiences, and actions behind two of the organisers Aperehama and Coley, and the movement that began with the intention of healing our people. And Haati Bei, Aperehama’s whānau, shares her own journey of keeping her family close while navigating a hostile environment. The kaupapa began with powerful intentions. The vision was to create a space of healing and unity. A place where people could come together, reconnect, and walk forward stronger.But the journey became complicated. Questions were raised. Trust was tested. People were hurt. What started as a movement of healing slowly became surrounded by confusion, division, and pain - between organisers, supporters and the public. In this kōrero we hear the heartbreak of how a space that began with hope and healing slowly became tangled in lies, pain, and despair. But we also hear something just as powerful — how through those experiences true friendships were formed that became whānau. And within a small group, now known as the LITT Krew, still believed in the Kaupapa and creating a space of whakawhanaungatanga, connection, and healing along the journey. Aperehama and Coley speak honestly about the weight they have carried since then — the guilt, and the feeling of knowing that things did not unfold the way they were meant to. With that comes the courage to face those feelings and walk forward with intention.Now they are walking a different path.A path that leads back to Rātana Pā.A journey of UTU — not revenge, but restoration. A return to balance. A way of putting right what has been thrown out of alignment.Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.