The lives of Maori spiritual leaders are explored in The Prophets, a series starting on Maori Television next Tuesday (May 7) at 8pm.
 
Presented by Rev Hirini Kaa (son of the late Dr Hone Kaa) and produced by Scottie Douglas Productions, the seven-part series focuses on Maori prophets who rose to prominence during great change in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
 
“The tales of individual prophets have inspired films, novels and history books, but there has never been a comprehensive account for television – until now,” says producer Meg Douglas. 
 
From the translation of the Bible into te reo Maori in the 1830s through to the middle of the 20th century, the series chronicles the lives, beliefs and social conditions that saw these messianic figures rise from within Maori communities. 
 
The programme begins with Papahurihia, the first prophet to weld Maori and Christian doctrine into a new form of traditional Maori spirituality, and then covers more well-known prophets such as Te Kooti, Te Whiti and Tohu and Ratana.
 
It also looks at how the prophets responded to colonisation.
 
“Some narratives are stories of reconciliation and peace, while others are soaked in blood,” says Meg Douglas.
 
One episode profiles Te Kooti Arikirangi, founder of the Ringatu faith, who was pursued by colonial forces in the Urewera.
 
Another prophet, Rua Kenana – seen as Te Kooti's heir – built a village in the heart of the Urewera to house his growing followers, and was later arrested because of his growing influence.
 
The making of The Prophets has had a profound effect on Hirini Kaa’s spiritual beliefs.
 
“It isn’t just my sense of history that has been challenged," Hirini says; "the experience has transformed me on a personal level. You could say I’ve undergone a spiritual metamorphosis during the making of the series."
 
The Prophets was directed by Tainui Stephens and Libby Hakaraia, and shot by Leon Narbey.