Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
[PG] December 2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the protest and occupation of the ancestral mountain of Te Mahurehure hapū, Taiarahia, in Ruatoki.
WATCH Taiarahia - Te Kākahu Tawhito @ rnz.co.nz/video
This docu-series will delve into Te Māhurehure's fight to protect their sacred maunga from being denuded of its ancient trees and replanted with pine. It'll explore the value of nature over the value of a dollar. The Tūhoe Waikaremoana Trust Board and Tasman Forestry laid plans to clear and fell the hundreds of hectares of native forest from Taiarahia maunga without consultation from hapū.
It was at this point that the stirrings of protest and occupation began. With compelling characters such as Tame Wairere Iti leading the charge, this story unfolds into a dynamic and eye-opening documentary.
In December 1985, the protest and occupation began. It lasted six months, culminating in any discussions and confrontations, as well as national and international support for the occupation and kaitiaki of Taiarahia. The protest ended in favour of tangata whenua. Those at the fore of the kaupapa say Tasman Forestry grew tired of confronting protesters and ceased work immediately, much to the relief of the hapū.
We look back at this peaceful occupation from a devoted hapū, showing the world their commitment to the whenua and commitment to whānau, while struggling against greed and political pressures. We also introduce the voices and views the younger generation think of the stand and outcome.
And unfortunately we look at what could have been, or in today's environmental climate, what CAN happen. In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle landed on our shores, with coastal communities and businesses decimated by the effects of forestry and its byproduct: slash.
Made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho.
[PG] December 2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the protest and occupation of the ancestral mountain of Te Mahurehure hapū, Taiarahia, in Ruatoki.
WATCH Taiarahia - Te Kākahu Tawhito @ rnz.co.nz/video
This docu-series will delve into Te Māhurehure's fight to protect their sacred maunga from being denuded of its ancient trees and replanted with pine. It'll explore the value of nature over the value of a dollar. The Tūhoe Waikaremoana Trust Board and Tasman Forestry laid plans to clear and fell the hundreds of hectares of native forest from Taiarahia maunga without consultation from hapū.
It was at this point that the stirrings of protest and occupation began. With compelling characters such as Tame Wairere Iti leading the charge, this story unfolds into a dynamic and eye-opening documentary.
In December 1985, the protest and occupation began. It lasted six months, culminating in any discussions and confrontations, as well as national and international support for the occupation and kaitiaki of Taiarahia. The protest ended in favour of tangata whenua. Those at the fore of the kaupapa say Tasman Forestry grew tired of confronting protesters and ceased work immediately, much to the relief of the hapū.
We look back at this peaceful occupation from a devoted hapū, showing the world their commitment to the whenua and commitment to whānau, while struggling against greed and political pressures. We also introduce the voices and views the younger generation think of the stand and outcome.
And unfortunately we look at what could have been, or in today's environmental climate, what CAN happen. In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle landed on our shores, with coastal communities and businesses decimated by the effects of forestry and its byproduct: slash.
Made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho.
