Love and drama in new Maori show

This is Piki, played by Turangi's Hinerauwhiri Paki.

A new Maori drama series centred around Rotorua is to launch this week on Maori Television.

The brainchild of Hollywood-powerhouse Cliff Curtis, This is Piki is a first-of-its kind Maori drama. The eight-episode series stars 18-year-old Hinerauwhiri Paki from Turangi debuts as Piki - a young woman on the brink of adulthood struggling to find her place in the world.

Rotorua's Temuera Morrison is Bill Mercer.

Produced by the team behind recent action hit Kairakau (Velvet Stone Media from Rotorua) and Find Me a Maori Bride (Brown Sugar Apple Grunt from Auckland), This is Piki features a winning combination of love, drama and comedy to entertain and capture hearts.

The series sees some of Aotearoa's most well-known talents including Rotorua's Temuera Morrison and Calvin Tuteao star alongside and mentor a new generation of actors, including Tia Maipi, recent lead in Born to Dance.

WATCH: This is Piki - Behind the scenes

Filmed in Rotorua and Auckland, it honestly reflects the unique experience of growing up as a teen in New Zealand. A talented singer-songwriter, kapa haka performer and rebellious teen, Piki lives in Rotorua but dreams of rising to fame and of finding her biological father. Two hilarious best friends and a new love interest see Piki embark on a journey of laughter, heartbreak and self-discovery as she explores her identity, a struggle all young-adults can relate to.

Some of the film sets in Rotorua included Mitai, the Government Gardens, Rotorua Lakefront, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua i-site and the Glenn Hawkins & Associates building.

- This is Piki premieres on Maori Television at 8pm on Thursday.

The cast:

Piki Johnson - Hinerauwhiri Paki

Carl Motonui - Tia Maipi

Ani Kapua - Rickylee Russell-Waipuka

Rongo Kapua - Eds Eramiha

Te Maru Kapua - Calvin Tuteao

Huia Kapua - Aroha Hathaway

Bill Mercer - Temuera Morrison

Tarns - Vanessa Rare