Wellington agency Wrestler has worked with the New Zealand Police as their lead agency to produce and launch Puhikura – a candid documentary series championing the power of wÄhine MÄori through the gift of their stories as taonga.
With a shared compassion for people, the whenua, and the sustenance of communities, five wÄhine reflect on what calls them forward and holds them back as they consider a career with the NZ Police. Celebrating womenâs strength and influence, the series explores the unique motivations and obstacles experienced by MÄori women who intend to become police officers.
WÄhine MÄori comprise only 3.6 percent of the police, despite making up 8.4 percent of NZ population. To attract more wÄhine MÄori to join the force, Puhikura takes an honest look at what wÄhine MÄori want. What kind of change do they hope to make for their whÄnau and communities? How does this fit with the way their whÄnau and communities see the police?
Puhikura was created by and for wÄhine MÄori. Director Kath Akuhata-Brown brings each personâs experiences and perspectives into the light without shrinking from the realities of historical and ongoing strain between MÄori and the police. WhÄnau insights and presence support each wahineâs reflection on their hopes, sense of purpose, and what comes next.
From inception to completion, the production of Puhikura embraced and followed kaupapa MÄori, informed by tikanga and with the intent to elevate wÄhine MÄori through due respect and care for every person, and place, and for tirohanga MÄori – MÄori worldviews.
Kat Lintott, co-founder of Wrestler says: “As creative director of Puhikura, I didn’t want to dictate a fixed treatment from the outset. We proposed a kaupapa MÄori approach to New Zealand Police so we could create a documentary series that protects, affirms, empowers, and authentically reflects everyone involved â including wÄhine who shared their stories, NZ Police, creators, and the wider MÄori community. I feel proud that this kaupapa has remained at the centre through the creation and sharing of this work.”
Wrestler worked closely with advisors and designed a participant consent journey to ensure that Puhikura held the stories shared as taonga. Wrestler partnered with Bastion Shine on the design, linework and use of colour throughout the series.
The wÄhine of Puhikura shared their experiences and whakaaro as a way to help others into the future, and to contribute to healing, connection, and trust. It is hoped their stories can support all wÄhine MÄori interested in working in the police.
Puhikura was formally launched by Commissioner Andrew Coster at an event at Te Papa Tongarewa on Thursday 16 June, with guests including members of the Commissionerâs MÄori Focus Forum, the Understanding Policing Delivery panel, and the five wÄhine who have shared their stories.
Following on from the launch event, there will be a series of community events throughout the country where wahine, their whanau and friends can view the documentary and korero with our recruitment officers about becoming a police officer.
Credits
LEAD AGENCY: Wrestler
PRODUCTION CREW:
DIRECTOR: Kath Akuhata-Brown
PRODUCER: Verity Mackintosh
D.O.P: Brandon Te Moananui and Chris Mauger
B CAM / Assistant: Pikihuia Little
FIELD SOUND: Nicole Smith & Wendy Adams
SHOOT ASSISTANT: Te Awa Puna
PHOTOGRAPHER: Putaanga Waitoa
POST PRODUCTION:
EDITOR: Lea McLean
EDIT ASSISTANT: Ben Cushman
COLOURIST: Tom van den Brink
AUDIO POST: Dylan Galletly / Wolf Horse
CAMPAIGN TEAM:
CAMPAIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kat Lintott
PRODUCERS: Kate Goodwin & Ashleigh Roworth
NZ POLICE CAMPAIGN LEADS: Helen Flannery & Paula Hill
NZ POLICE PARTNER ADVISORS: Prue Kapua & Rahui Papa
NZ POLICE ADVISORS: Inspector Juanita Timutimu (Whiti), Inspector Erin Sykes-Hurley, Inspector William Black & Vinesh Sima
EXTERNAL ADVISORS: Awatea Mita, Talia Ellison & Malcolm Mulholland
COPYWRITER: Nik Jarvie-Waldrom
PUBLICISTS: Delilah PÄrore-Southon, Nick Stringer
PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER: Lauren Harrigan
CAMPAIGN DESIGNERS: Bastion Shine
CAMPAIGN ARTIST: Fern Ngatai
MEDIA: FCB Media