Maori Sheilas Making Their Mark

PUBLICITY RELEASE

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Maori Sheilas Making Their Mark

Maori women who are changing stereotypes and deciding their own place in the world is the focus of the Maori Television series I KNOW A SHEILA LIKE THAT returning for a second season.

In its second series starting on Tuesday 31 May at 8pm, I KNOW A SHEILA LIKE THAT takes an insightful look into the lives of Maori women who challenge the accepted roles of women in today’s society.

The 13-part series takes viewers to the rugged west coast of the South Island to meet Ramari Stewart, and hear how her philosophies challenge the modern day thinking around whales – their conservation, preservation and importance to Maori.

“I can still remember as a young child harvesting meat from the stranded whales. We utilised everything. If the whale was fresh you took the meat—he kai rangatira (food fit for a chief)—there’s resistance from the Department of Conservation to allow Maori to recover whale meat but that’s an issue that needs strong debate,” she says.

This season’s line up of inspirational wahine also includes a comedian and anti-violence advocate, two women who have found their passion in the fascinating world of burlesque, and a talented horse whisperer dedicated to helping abused and neglected horses.

In the premiere episode we head to Wellington to meet Parekotuku Moore (Ngati Raukawa, Ngai Te Rangi) – by day the Kaihautu National Director of Maori Development – Stopping Violence programme and by night a glamorous comedian.

She is dedicated to bringing light to the issue of domestic violence and in contrast is a committed comedian who believes the funniest people are the ones that can laugh at themselves.

“They say you are what you eat – well I must be the sexiest peanut slab out,” she says.

Producer Lara Northcroft says the series is about “empowering women” to have the courage to go for their dreams no matter how big or unconventional it might seem.

“Our emphasis is on careers outside the realm of what women would do, in particular what Maori women would do,” says Ms Northcroft.

ENDS

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