Episodes
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Marama Davidson on the Greens, groceries, gangs, and government
With just days until the election, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson joins MATA to discuss her party’s growing support amongst Māori voters, the cost of living crisis, its controversial engagement with gangs, and what role the Greens could play in the next government. Go to this episode on...
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Why Māori are putting off healthcare, views on the environment, and a snapshot of the Māori electorates
Are Māori voters putting off getting medical help, and what's stopping them from seeking care? What do they think of the government's approach to the environment? Journalists Roihana Nuri and Claudette Hauiti unpack the latest Mata-Horizon Research poll and examine a snapshot of responses from...
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MATA Reports: Growing up Māori at Gloriavale: Valiant Overcomer's story
At 14, Valiant Overcomer walked away from the only world he had ever known. He fled Gloriavale with two of his sisters. The Overcomers were one of the few whānau Māori inside the isolated Christian community. He says they were treated as second class. Valiant recalls what it was like growing up...
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Te Tiriti, the Tribunal and justice: Goldsmith and Jackson face off
Treaty of Waitangi Negotations and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith sits down with Labour's Willie Jackson to discuss the removal of Treaty clauses from legislation, calls to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal, and the overrepresentation of Māori in the justice system. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz…
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MATA Reports: The Māori Vote 2026: Party choice, the cost of living and the Māori electorates
In this special episode of MATA Reports, we reveal the results of our poll of Maori voters on both the general and Maori rolls. Who are they giving their party vote to this election, and how is the cost of living affecting their everyday lives? Panellists Tau Henare, Tina Wickliffe, Jack Tautokai...
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Shane Jones: Mining His Own Business
Mining, mahi, te Tiriti, and te reo Māori. Shane Jones sits down with Mihingarangi Forbes for a wide-ranging kōrero on the coalition’s record and whether he thinks Māori are better off under this government. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Are Māori a TOP Priority? The Opportunity Party unveils its Māori policy.
The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong sits down with Mihingarangi to discuss her party's newly released policies on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tino rangatiratanga and Māori development, and what they could mean for Māori voters. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Poisoned at Work: Toxic Legacy and the Fight for Justice
The Human Rights Commission says the government has failed to recognise and support the forestry workers, whānau and communities exposed to the highly toxic timber preservative pentachlorophenol (PCP). Mihingarangi speaks with Sawmill Workers Against Poisons co-chair Kereama Akuhata and longtime...
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Life after Tom Phillips: Cat Christey and the long search for justice
The nation watched with urgency as police searched for Tom Phillips and his three children. But as the search faded from the headlines over the following three years, so too did the voice of the woman left behind. For the first time since her children were found, Cat Christey tells her story. Go…
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The row over one of Aotearoa's most significant archaeological finds
One of Aotearoa’s oldest and most extraordinary archaeological discoveries remains buried beneath the sands of Rēkohu, two years after it was found. Mihingarangi Forbes speaks with archaeologist Dr Justin Maxwell, with additional perspectives from Monique Croon (Deputy Chair, Ngāti Mutunga o...
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Navigating Grief and Healing at Matariki
Matariki is a time to remember loved ones who have passed. Reo and tikanga exponents Niwa Milroy and Heeni Te Mate Koiwi know that journey of grief intimately. Heeni shares the loss of her daughter Taiiringa last year, while Niwa reflects on farewelling both of her parents Wharehuia and Marion....
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Marama Davidson on taxing the wealthy, bottom trawling and bottom lines
A day after announcing their flagship tax policy, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson speaks to Mihingarangi about tackling “corporate greed,” how banning bottom trawling will impact the bottom line for iwi, the Greens' strategy in the Māori seats, and the party’s coalition bottom lines…
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Ableism in te ao Māori: Kiringāua Cassidy on reo revitalisation, leadership and belonging
Kiringāua Cassidy belongs to a generation of Ngāi Tahu rangatahi raised in te reo Māori. As a tangata hauā who uses a wheelchair, he has also navigated Māori spaces that haven't always been designed with accessibility in mind. Kiringāua joins Stacey Morrison to discuss reo, leadership and...
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Intersex Aotearoa advocate Tu Chapman addresses the 'Definitions of Woman and Man Bill'
State abuse survivor and Māori advocate for Intersex Aotearoa, Tu Chapman discusses New Zealand First’s bill to legally define “woman” and “man” and the consequences critics warn it could have for intersex, transgender and non-binary communities. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Is Aotearoa’s reo infrastructure fit for purpose? A MATA special with Stacey Morrison
Hosted by Stacey Morrison, this special episode takes a hard look at whether the structure of our reo organisations is fit for purpose. Te Mātāwai’s Penetaui Kleskovich and researcher Dr Awanui Te Huia share their thoughts on what’s working, what’s not, and whether the current system is strong...
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Detainee's mother calls on New Zealand government for help
Everlee Wihongi's mother Betty discusses her daughter's detention in the US and issues a request for support from the New Zealand government. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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James Meager on te reo, Te Tiriti, and Te Wai Pounamu
National's James Meager sits down for a wide-ranging interview, discussing the coalition government's controversial positions on te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reflecting on his Ngāi Tahu identity & his mahi as Minister for Te Wai Pounamu alongside his Hunting and Fishing & Youth...
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Debbie Ngawera-Packer on what the war in Iran will mean for whānau māori
The war in Tehran may feel a world away, but its impacts are already hitting home. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Deb Ngarewa-Packer says whānau here are feeling the squeeze. So what does this mean for Māori, how much worse could it get, and is the government moving fast enough? Go to this episode on...
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Mariameno Kapa-Kingi is back in TPM... but will she stay?
Following a High Court win, Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been reinstated after a very personal and public feud that's gripped the motu. But how will her "repatriation" work in practice? And will she stay? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Two ticks or split vote? Willie Jackson on why Māori should vote Labour
Willie Jackson speaks to Mihingarangi about Labour's plan to reclaim the Māori seats, what it has learnt from its last term in government, and whether it plans to work with or against Te Pāti Māori and the Greens. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Chris Hipkins, fresh off the paepae at Waitangi
Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins MATA to share his views on the political landscape, including whom he would and would not work with, and what Labour could have done better in government. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Tama Potaka on the Treaty Principles Bill and whether he'll be Attorney-General
Ahead of Waitangi Day, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka joins Mihingarangi Forbes for a wide-ranging interview, discussing the Treaty Principles Bill, the Ngāpuhi settlement, emergency housing, whether he has ambitions to become Attorney-General, and Peeni Henare’s shock resignation. Go to...
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MATA Reports: Te Pāti Māori - From Comeback to Crisis
MATA Reports examines the crisis within Te Pāti Māori as an exclusive poll of Māori voters reveals the impact on its support. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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MATA Reports: Lost Property - How Police Lost Two Houses and an Iwi's Trust
MATA Reports investigates how two rundown police houses in the Horowhenua town of Shannon slipped through the cracks of government process when they were supposed to be protected within a treaty land-banking process. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Tākuta Ferris levels new allegations against Te Pāti Māori executive
Ousted Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris speaks candidly to Mihingarangi Forbes about the mounting internal tensions within Te Pāti Māori that led to the current fall out. John Tamihere was approached to respond to the allegations made in this episode. He declined to comment on what he described as...
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Te Pāti Māori on their plan to change the govt and steady their waka
In an extended interview, co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi discuss their plan to change the government, their priority policies, and how they will steady their waka after one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s history. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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MATA Reports: Not Her Destiny - Former church member asks, "Did I not deserve to be protected?"
For years, Destiny Church shaped every part of Lynia Morseu-Tol's life: her faith, her family, and her identity. As a takatāpui wahine Māori, its teachings left her feeling ashamed, conflicted, and alone—all while she endured years of abuse at home. 16 years after leaving the church, Lynia speaks...
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An extended interview with Minister of Finance Nicola Willis
Minister of Finance Nicola Willis discusses the significant challenges facing Aotearoa's economy. The latest figures show GDP has contracted more sharply than forecast, while investor confidence has fallen to lows not seen since COVID. With unemployment climbing and the cost of living putting...
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What's going on with Te Pāti Māori?
RNZ's latest Reid Research poll shows Te Pāti Māori's hold on the Māori seats could decide who forms the next government. We speak to Media Specialist Carmen Parahi and political commentator Shane Te Pou to discuss Te Pāti Māori's big win in Tāmaki, their controversial media ban, and an...
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Can te reo Māori withstand the political headwinds? An interview with Taura Whiri i Te Reo Chair Professor Rawinia Higgins
The fight for te reo Māori has entered a new phase. From school books and government agencies to eacher training and even passports, the place of te reo is under intense scrutiny. In this episode of Mata, Te Taura Whiri Māori Language Commission chair Professor Rawinia Higgins joins Tuwhenuaroa...
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Tāmaki-Makau-Rua: Peeni Henare and Oriini Kaipara on the battle for Tāmaki Makaurau
As voters head to the poll for the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection, Labour’s Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara join Mihingārangi to discuss the issues facing whānau in the biggest Polynesian city in the world. From housing to health to te reo Māori, he wānanga kei te haere. Go to this...
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Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick on homelessness, energy poverty, Gaza, and electoral law changes
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick joins Mihingarangi for an unflinching conversation about the surge in homelessness and energy poverty, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the electoral law changes that could reshape democracy in Aotearoa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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What Happens When Bowel Screening Comes Too Late: Cheryl Waaka's Fight with Stage 4 Cancer Is Also a Fight for Systemic Change
Former Black Fern Cheryl Waaka represented Aotearoa New Zealand with pride. Now she's fighting stage 4 bowel cancer, which she believes could have been caught earlier. As the government walks back a targeted Māori screening programme, she's speaking out about the cost of delay, the price of...
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Willow-Jean Prime on Education, Oranga Tamariki, Bootcamps, and a Settlement for Ngāpuhi
Labour spokesperson for Children and Education, Willow-Jean Prime explains why she believes the education system and Oranga Tamariki are failing Māori, her opposition to Act’s bootcamps, and why Shane Jones’ Ngāpuhi settlement plan is a non-starter. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Can She Win the Super City? Mayoral Candidate Kerrin Leoni on the Fight for Tāmaki Makaurau
Mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni lays out her vision for Tāmaki Makaurau, the challenges facing the Super City, and makes her case to voters in a race that could reshape Auckland's future. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Tania Waikato on the Haka That Shook the World, the Political Fall, and Why She Opposes the Regulatory Standards Bill
In the wake of an unprecedented punishment for the haka that drew global attention to the Treaty Principles Bill, Te Pāti Māori legal representative Tania Waikato reflects on the fallout, the opposition to the Regulatory Standards Bill, and what this moment reveals about Māori political power. Go...
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Chris Hipkins - A Blue Budget That's Firmly in the Red for Women and Māori
Chris Hipkins discusses the impact of the budget on Māori and how Labour plans to win back voters. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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MATA Reports: ACT - The Foreign Influences That Have Shaped David Seymour's Political Agenda, and What It Means for Aotearoa
With ACT’s record 2023 election result and David Seymour’s rise to Deputy Prime Minister, the party is reshaping Aotearoa’s political landscape. But behind its growing power is a network of ideas—some homegrown, some imported—that raise questions about its stance on Te Tiriti and indigenous…
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A Woman's Worth: How the Fight for Pay Equity Just Got Harder
E tū Union National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh discusses the government’s controversial Equal Pay Amendment Act that makes it harder for women-dominated workforces to achieve pay equity. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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It's a (Biological) Man's World. Shane Jones: Minister, Hitman, Culture Warrior.
Shane Jones is back on the frontlines, taking the war on woke to the Waitākere Ranges and backing a bill that would define womanhood and manhood by biology. The NZ First senior minister on co-governance, culture wars, and the politics of identity. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Erica Stanford on the future of Māori education
Minister of Education Erica Standford speaks to Mihingarangi about lifting Māori achievement in education and the delivery of the school lunch programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Green MP Hūhana Lyndon on taking on the Public Works Act
Green MP Hūhana Lyndon on taking on the Public Works Act. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Whānau Ora, foreign policy, frozen school lunches; Nanaia Mahuta and Tau Henare discuss
From Whānau Ora and foreign policy to frozen (or scalding) school lunches, political veterans Nanaia Mahuta and Tau Henare unpack the political stories of the week. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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State of the Māori Nation - An extended interview with Willie Jackson
In an extended interview, Willie Jackson discusses the state of the Māori nation, including the controversial resignation of Richard Prebble from the Waitangi Tribunal. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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“A kūpapa to the kaupapa” – A Waitangi Special with Tama Potaka & Paul Goldsmith
Following a “tense” pōwhiri at Waitangi, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith discuss the health of Māori-Crown relations. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Waitangi Special: An Interview with Mariameno Kapa-Kingi
MP for Te Tai Tokerau Mariameno Kapa-Kingi discusses Te Pāti Māori’s proposal for a treaty commissioner and the challenges facing her electorate as Ngāpuhi hosts the commemorations for the 185th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Marama Davidson returns to Parliament
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson announces her return to mahi after breast-cancer treatment. In an exclusive interview with Mata, Davidson discusses her experience of the health system, her prognosis for parliamentary politics, and her priorities for the year ahead. Go to this episode on…
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Mata Reports: Grief and Anger – The Unsolved Murder of Joanna Sione-Lauaki
Four months after her body was found on a Northland beach, Joanna Sione-Lauaki's murder is unsolved. Her whānau is desperate for answers -- and they want cruel rumours to stop, so they can grieve. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Andrew Little on the Treaty Principles Bill
“Insulting to everybody”—former Minister for Treaty Negotiations Andrew Little shares his views on the Treaty Principles Bill, the realignment of Te Arawhiti, the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, and the inquiry into state abuse. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Mother of missing Marakopa children speaks to Mihingarangi Forbes in exclusive interview
The mother of the three missing Marokopa children tells Mata Reports she believes a recent exchange between a pig hunter and her daughter was a cry for help. Watch the video version of this story here. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
About this show
An in-depth podcast where newsmakers and Māori commentators unpack the latest political issues impacting Aotearoa.
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