Release Date

02 Oct, 2026

Runtime

00:46: (HH:MM)

Synopsis

Percussion's there in our lives, it's there in our heartbeat.

With the resurgence of taonga pūoro, one musical instrument remains conspicuously absent from Māori music —pahū (drum). In this documentary Te Pahū, composer Hirini Melbourne (ONZM) and ethnologist Te Warena Taua trace the history of pahū, from musical accompaniment to being the manawa (heart) of communication and communities. Musicians and carvers bring to life the lost beat of pahū by creating a version using modern techniques. Pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita (Patu!) directed Te Pahū, while Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) co-wrote and produced it.

Original Title

Te Pahū

Photos

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Actors

Crew

Merata Mita

Merata Mita

Richard Rautjoki

Hone Kaa

Oliver Tiraa

Catherine Madigan

Caterina De Nave

Andrew Shaw

Robert Pouwhare

Dave Hurley

Grant Atkinson

Fred Renata

Rawiri Paratene

Rawiri Paratene