Fly My Pepeha: New children’s series filmed in Bay of Plenty premieres this weekend

'Fly My Pepeha' is premiering on Sunday and has film locations across the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Supplied

A new children’s series is giving tamariki the chance to take the pilot’s seat, using drone technology to share stories about their identity and whakapapa from above.

‘Fly My Pepeha’ brings together te reo Māori, drone technology, and tamariki-led storytelling in a 10-part, 10-minute digital series.

Produced by Rotorua-based Natives On Screen, it featured different tamariki in each episode, sharing stories of their whānau, iwi, marae, maunga, awa, and rohe.

It was spoken entirely in te reo Māori, with English subtitles. It was also being translated into Mandarin and Spanish.

Natives On Screen producer Lilly Jordan said: “We’re pushing the boundaries of what kids’ content can look like, not just in Aotearoa but worldwide.

“Giving tamariki the space to lead, speak in their own reo, and be seen from their perspective, is a powerful shift in how we reflect their lives on-screen.”

Jordan said it was the first time drone technology and pepeha had been used in this way to help tamariki share their stories with viewers.

The series was shot across locations including Rotorua, Taupō, Tauranga Moana, Ōpape, Rotoiti, Morrinsville, and Te Tairāwhiti.

Jordan said tamariki were involved throughout, from voiceovers to on-ground filming, making the series “a genuine reflection of their experiences, thoughts, and outlook”.

Behind the scenes, the production was led by a Māori creative team and developed in close collaboration with local communities.

Fly My Pepeha premieres on Sunday on the Māori+ app, and will screen weekly on Whakaata Māori every Monday at 7.50am.

- Supplied content