Series Classification: PG
Uenukukōpako has a strong connection with his ūkaipo, Harataunga - the idyllic Kennedy Bay on the beautiful Coromandel peninsula. He shares what it’s like to grow up in a small, rural Māori community.
“Whānau 2021” is the latest instalment in a very special documentary series following the lives of whānau who had babies in 2000.
We’ve revisted them every seven years and in this update, three of the ‘babies’ invite us back into their lives and to their 21st birthday celebrations. They reflect on their upbringings and what it’s like to be Māori in the 21st century.
Uenuku outside wharekai with whānau prepping kai for 21st Photo: Tūmanako Productions
Uenukukōpako was born at home in the tiny community of Kennedy Bay in the Coromandel, the fourth son of parents Mereana Maika and Joe Angus.
Mereana had moved the whānau back to here to her papakainga shortly before Uenukukōpako was born.
Mereana: “E pono ana au me hoki atu ki to hau kainga kia rongo ai koe I te mana o te whenua te mana o te tu o te tangata ki runga I te ukaipō.”
Uenuku in wharekai cutting meat for 21st Photo: Tūmanako Productions
Uenuku has lived most of his life in this remote and idyllic settlement.
Uenukukōpako: “Ko ngā tangata ka noho ki Harataunga he mea nui te turangawaewae, te turangawaewae kaha. Mena no Harataunga koe, ko teraa to toka tu moana. It's like you, you feel grounded. You know, a lot of people feel grounded being from here.”
Uenukukōpako’s girlfriend Rhean is also from Kennedy Bay, and they intend to build their lives here – fulfilling his grandparents’ and his mother Mereana’s aspriations to create strong connections to their papakainga.
Uenuku rides quadbike through Coromandel Photo: Tūmanako Productions
Uenukukōpako “ At some point I wanna be, self-sufficient. I don't want to have a work a day life, I don't want to climb a corporate ladder.”
We’re invited to Uenukukōpako’s 21st birthday celebrations – a Harry Potter themed party at Rākairoa Marae in Kennedy Bay where he reflects on his parent’s approach to his upbringing:
Uenukukōpako “I don’t think they had any expectations. I think they just wanted all of us to thrive.”
Uenuku diving with Uncle in Coromandel Photo: Tūmanako Productions
NZ On Air Photo: NZOA
