Witi Underwater

RNZ•www.rnz.co.nz

Whale Rider creator Witi Ihimaera throws himself in the deep end of a full-immersion Māori language course that tests him to his limit.

Last refreshed: June 28th, 2025 at 3:29 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Hoki mai

One final maunga stands ahead: Witi needs to stand and speak te reo Māori for an hour. Can he overcome the taniwha that have held him back in the past? And what is the future for te reo? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 19, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Te wheke

On a visit to a kōhanga reo, Witi creates a new story for the tamariki—one with a hidden meaning. Will it be acceptable for the rumaki assessment he needs to pass? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 18, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Te hītori

Witi bore witness to famous moments in the revitalisation of te reo Māori, but will his depth of knowledge and mātauranga help him overcome his frustration and difficulties learning the language? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 17, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Te tohorā

Witi and his hoa akomanga go on a class trip, where he rediscovers old connections and finds he can’t escape his most famous character: the tohorā. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 16, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Ko wai au?

As he prepares to go back to school at the age of 80, Witi Ihimaera reveals the personal reason he's decided it is finally time to learn te reo Māori. Will it sustain him during the tough year ahead? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 15, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing: Witi Underwater

Whale Rider creator Witi Ihimaera throws himself in the deep end of a full-immersion Māori language course that tests him to his limit. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 11, 2025•47 sec

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