Fresh hope shines brightly in Otangarei

MURAL: The story of the hopes and dreams of Herepainga Rawiri, a young Otangarei artist who created a mural in the centre of the suburb, will conclude a four-part documentary series about Otangarei that will screen on Maori Television. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM.

After initially being concerned about living in Whangarei's Otangarei suburb because of its reputation, film maker Rewi Heke is happy to call it home, with four documentaries he made about "OT" set to screen on Maori TV.

Te Hau Awhiowhio - The Winds of Change - is an accurate name for the four-part documentary series that follows aspects of life in the low socio-economic suburb in Whangarei.

Heke, 23, with a camera and tripod in hand, spent three years in Otangarei following the community, looking at changes, positive initiatives and hearing stories from those who make up the small suburb. Now the documentary series will be screened, in four half-hour parts, on Maori TV from February 1.

The series will conclude with a young artist from the community, Herepainga Rawiri, who created a mural in the centre of the suburb. The episode will look at her hopes and dreams and the part the suburb's Te Kotahitanga Marae will play in that.

Heke said he realised that the story of Otangarei was an important one to tell, with the suburb often making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He wanted to show that Otangarei was changing and the next generation was the key.

"For me, personally it's important for the next generation, for the youth, (the documentaries) gives them somewhere to go, gives them an idea what they can have in the area. It's good for families as well, having a better understanding of some of the things that are happening in their area."

The documentaries followed the local collective Te Hau Awhiowhio, the inspiration behind the name of the series, Te Kotahitanga Marae, Te Kura o Otangarei, the local league team, the Otangarei Knights and followed stories from a local family and even gang members.

"The major focus of the story was about employment, housing and definitely poverty and hoping over the three years, there would be some change."

Heke said two notable changes he saw was the development of the marae and initiatives run in the local school, Te Kura o Otangarei.

"We've seen a few changes at the marae. It's one of the major components of the area. When we started there wasn't much going on at the marae, it was quite sad they were facing all sorts of issues - it's a lot more lively now. The primary school also got its own sports academy it gave kids something to do after school with training," he said.

Heke said the documentary had been a huge learning experience. He considered Otangarei home, at first he admitted he was concerned about living in the area because of the negative stereotypes but now he said he had the wrong idea.

"You can't judge a book by its cover. I've learned so much about the area - I was comfortable living there and it grew on me. People can't really judge the area, they've got to live here and experience it for themselves. There's a lot of good people."

The documentary will air Sunday, February 1 on Maori Television, and will continue the three following Sundays. Heke was mentored for his project by renowned film maker Richard Thomas.