Super excited to see the release of Ngaru Toa Wave Warriors, a short documentary produced by for Water Safety New Zealand.
I was the drone videographer and I'm very grateful to Awa Films for this amazing opportunity to work on such an important project with an awesome crew. Great work by everyone involved!
Surfers Maioha Kelly and Jordan Waiti have been working with rangatahi across Aotearoa to deliver surf lessons, using mātaraunga Māori to strengthen and deepen their connection to Tangaroa. Based in surfing hotspot Raglan, they have been working with Hamilton teacher Lovey Chapman to provide lessons to rangatahi. Despite their earliest ancestors having ridden waves, the cost and access to surfing lessons has prohibited many rangatahi from being able to learn to surf. Forming Aotearoa Water Patrol, Waiti and Kelly are passionate about removing these barriers and providing the skills needed to ensure safety on the water, whilst emphasising the cultural significance surfing can provide for young Māori.
Directors: Julian Arahanga