Kairākau

About Kairākau Season 1: Kairākau I

Ancient Māori heroes of yesteryear, re-discovered, re-examined and re-imagined.

Season summary: TMDB.

Kairākau Season 1 episodes

1. 01

   S01 E011 March 2016

   Episode 1

   25m

   Tunohopu, a Kairākau from Ngāti Whakaue, falls into a deadly feud between two opposing warlords. Tunohopu is caught in the crossfire when his village is ransacked in the middle of the night, but escapes with his family into a cave. As they plan their survival, they realise one of their sons has been left behind.

3. 02

   S01 E028 March 2016

   Episode 2

   26m

   Te Matapihi o Rehua, a famous Kairākau of Ngāti Whakaue, is called on to defend his village in single combat against a dangerous rival. But when he realises that his nemesis is a childhood friend, Te Matapihi o Rehua forgoes combat, leaving his younger brother to take his place.

5. 03

   S01 E0315 March 2016

   Episode 3

   26m

   This is a story of a son, Herea of Tuwharetoa, who is forever trying to escape his father's shadow, even after his death. As Herea forges a pathway beyond the memory of his father, he comes to realise that his journey is in fact pre-ordained by his father.

6. 04

   S01 E0422 March 2016

   Episode 4

   25m

   Mawaketaupo has a secret, the kawa of Tau-ma-ihi-o-rongo. He also has a son who feels he is ready to learn that secret. But Manaia has yet to realise that what is barring his way to learning the secret is his own ambition.

7. 05

   S01 E0529 March 2016

   Episode 5

   25m

   Sometimes, in order to protect a vast area, one must become more than a man. This is an origin story of Haukeka, a dark lone wolf type figure from Ngāti Pikiao associated with acts of cannibalism, who cast a large shadow in order to protect his tribal domain.

8. 06

   S01 E065 April 2016

   Episode 6

   25m

   Takurua, a young Kairākau from Ngati Taka - Te Piri Rakau, wants nothing more than to join the rest of his men on a fishing expedition. Being a little big and a little slow, he is left home to protect the Pa and its elderly occupants.

9. 07

   S01 E0712 April 2016

   Episode 7

   25m

   Part 1 of 2: Poupoutahi is the orthodox position of all Toa, as it affords the greatest amount of body coverage and protection. A Kairākau from Ngati Kahungunu, Te-O-Tane, developed the low guard and used it to great effect as he moved up the ranks.

10. 08

    S01 E0819 April 2016

    Episode 8

    25m

    Part 2 of 2: Te-O-Tane with the help of Rekareka, having disposed of Takapuai, is called on by the old warlord, Tapuwae for service. A matter of vengeance remains unresolved - that of Te Huki - a diplomatic chief who died treacherously at the hands of another iwi.

11. 09

    S01 E0926 April 2016

    Episode 9

    25m

    We go behind the scenes and hear from the cast and crew of Kairākau.

Episode names, air dates, runtimes and summaries: TMDB. Air dates are the first broadcast anywhere.

More seasons of Kairākau

• Season 1
• Season 2
• Season 3
• Season 4