With a deep love for people and a genuine desire to give his absolute all to his mahi, Dr. Reuben Collier has always approached his work with the right intentions and a true commitment to understanding. It is this authenticity that has naturally drawn elders to open up to him, they believed in him—no matter who, where, or what the kaupapa may be.

For Reuben, his learning extended far beyond the classroom and beyond the pages of books, deeply immersed in te ao Māori.

Reflecting on his youth, Wiremu Doherty shares a story of simplicity and deep connection to the world around him, offering a profound glimpse into the resourcefulness that shaped his journey. As a hunter-gatherer even from his preschool years, these formative experiences laid the foundation for the remarkable insights he now weaves into the influential roles he holds today.

A life-altering accident could have ended Gordon Toi’s path as an artist, but instead, it deepened his passion for his art and turned his own pain into a vessel to help others navigate their own—particularly through the sacred and profound process of giving and receiving tā moko.

If there’s one thing that stands out about Gordon, it’s his evolution. He has grown into the rangatira he is today—not only through his own transformative life journey but also through his ability to recognise and appreciate growth in the world and people around him, and what that signifies for the future of his craft.

Colonialism’s impact runs deep, shaping how indigenous peoples are perceived both at home and abroad. Ironically, outside one’s home country, there is often recognition, respect, and admiration for our uniqueness and resilience.

Yet, internally, systemic issues persist—a by-product of colonial structures that remain deeply embedded in societal institutions worldwide.

To hear more from Tina Ngata on this topic and her fascinating perspective on using this period as our Overton window—an opportunity to spark a broad range of discussions — listen to her full Spotify episode available now.

AI has become an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives, rapidly advancing in knowledge and significance. As it continues to evolve, Dan reflects on the importance of nurturing our relationship with this global tool, exploring how we can harness it for positive outcomes while addressing common misconceptions.

Driven by a powerful purpose to ensure AI is used for the greater good, join us for this insightful kōrero.

Catch this full episode of Indigenous 100 here on Spotify to hear more from Dan Walker.

With her deep understanding of Māori education and international indigenous knowledge, Mera shares her whakaaro on the successes we’ve achieved while thoughtfully highlighting opportunities for growth.

From equipping our rangatahi with a deeper understanding of our country’s political context to exploring spaces where wāhine Māori can thrive further in their reclamation journey and much more, Mera’s insights offer a thought-provoking vision for the future.

Catch the newest full episode of Indigenous 100 now on YouTube or Spotify to hear more from Mera Penehira.

From the historic battles at Ruapekapeka and Ōrākau to the ongoing responses from te iwi Māori today, these actions are all interlinked in addressing our concerns to the King or Queen of the time and the government of the day. This relentless fight reflects our determination, strength, perseverance, and deep, innate ties to this whenua.

To hear more from Te Ururoa in his full interview, head over now to Spotify or YouTube.

Honey Hireme-Smiler knew her talent was something special from a young age. By the time she was 10, she was making rep teams and playing in the Northern Zones, so it was clear she was on a path to something extraordinary—even if it meant leaving her brothers a few steps behind!

To hear more of Honey’s story, her humor, and her incredible journey on Indigenous 100, head over to YouTube or listen here on Spotify now to catch the full interview.