The Spiritual World Examined On Maori Television

PUBLICITY RELEASE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13 2010

The Spiritual World Examined On Maori Television

Everything you want to know about the spiritual world from a Maori perspective will be explained in WAIRUA, a new series premiering on Maori Television on Wednesday October 6 at 9.30 PM.

No stone is left unturned in this thought-provoking series, which covers various systems of Maori spiritual beliefs and customs around birth, death and the afterlife, over a total of 16 episodes.

From the unborn child to ghosts, WAIRUA will shed light on questions about the spirit world with the help of various tohunga (men of knowledge), kaumatua (elders) and matakite (clairvoyants).

Packed with insight and real-life experiences, it is a must-see for those with an interest in spirits and a helpful guide for those wanting to know more about the Maori system of beliefs.

Episode One gets straight to the point to explore what exactly wairua or the spirit is from a Maori perspective. Looking back from ancient to modern times, the episode explains the wairua of human beings and the wairua that is in all things and exists everywhere.

Other topics investigated include the spirituality of children and the unborn child – and what happens in the case of death, be it through stillbirth, miscarriage or termination.

Patupaiarehe are the fairy-like creatures believed to live in the forests and mountain tops. Rarely seen, an air of mystery and secrecy surrounds them. WAIRUA tracks down people who have had personal experiences with the forest dwellers and finds out how they overcame them.

In later episodes, modern day seers talk about their ancient art, and we hear from experts in the fields of Makutu (witchcraft) and Maori sickness or disease.

Whatever your beliefs, WAIRUA offers an informative and engaging view into how the spiritual world is central in what it means to be Maori.

WAIRUA producer Ngatapa Black, from Maori Television, says the series is about raising awareness.

“Wairua has always been a part of our lives so this was a natural thing to do,” she says. “We touch on some big issues so getting the message out about our spiritual side and understanding what is happening today from a Maori perspective is really important.”

Find out more by tuning in to Maori Television on Wednesday October 6 at 9.30 PM.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR WAIRUA

Year 2010 Censor General Exhibition (G) Duration 16 x half-hour episodes Language Maori

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