[Dis]graceful Whakaata Māori Show

A series that’s dubbed “equal parts game show, cultural showcase and comedy gold” will premiere next week on Whakaata Māori and Māori+.

In Ngau Tuarā – A Tribute to The Art of Ageing [Dis]Gracefully (7.00 Mondays from August 18), a hearty group of charismatic pakeke, including Waihori Shortland and Tukoroirangi Morgan, takes on quirky, not-so-age-appropriate challenges – from bumper boating to parasailing and even race car driving – in the spirit of fun, competition and fierce pride.

Reads the media release:

Equal parts game show, cultural showcase and comedy gold, Ngau Tuarā is a heartwarming, hilarious and unapologetically Māori series showcasing the wit, wisdom and mana of a vibrant group of kuia and koroua from across Aotearoa, says Piripi Curtis, Executive Producer at Hikoi Productions.

“Delivered entirely in te reo Māori, the series places a strong focus on the exceptional reo of our cast – fluent speakers whose language reflects a time when reo Māori was the everyday voice of home and community.

“Their depth of fluency showcases a generation raised with the language as their first tongue,” says Piripi Curtis.

The all-star line-up of kōeke – an impressive group of iwi, political and cultural leaders – with sharp tongues, sharper minds and the kind of comedic timing you can’t teach, roast each other with classic one-liners, drop clever punchlines and show off their whakapapa with flair.

“Their kōrero is a masterclass in reo rangatira, where aged Māori humour shines through in every unscripted, unfiltered moment, says Piripi Curtis.

From Tipene “The Sensei” Rangihuna (Ngāti Porou) with his nunchuck moves to Rahera “The Reo Warrior of Te Tai Tokerau” Hoterene; from Hiamoe “The Ruatoki Roaster” Waaka to Tukoroirangi “The Tainui Firestarter” Morgan, each kaumātua brings their own unique flavour.

Ngau Tuarā  is tailor-made for intergenerational viewing. Whether fluent, learning or just along for the laughs, it’s a show that uplifts, connects and reminds us all that getting old doesn’t mean slowing down – it means showing up with style, swagger, and a side of satire.

Ngau Tuarā is bold, bilingual, and brimming with aroha.

Here’s what to expect:

Episode 1: Speed, Smack Talk & Smelly Surprises (August 18)

The boys visit Drift Kartz Rotorua, where it’s all about speed, cheek and who can take the corners. The koroua are put to the test – it’s juicier and smellier than it sounds. In Ruatoki, the “Mau Rākau Club” show us their moves.

Episode 2: Mama, Save Me! (August 25)

Lenny Bristowe and Wasi Waaka go parasailing. In Mātaatua, some of the crew realise that paintball shooting is not easy. A few of our crew are treated to a luxury spa pedicure at Lady Diva Salon in Rotorua,

Episode 3: Saddle Up, Get Stuck In, and Keep It Out of the Gutter (September 1)

Tipene, Wasi and Thomas go horseback riding. Deep in the heart of Tūhoe country, Ruatoki serves up rotten corn. And mini golf takes a turn.

Episode 4: Coasters, Chaos, and the Clash of the Taiaha (September  8)

It’s all screams, laughs, and white-knuckle grips at Rainbow’s End. Pem Bird, Chris Winitana, and Wasi turn Pictionary into a chaotic masterpiece. The boys put their mau rākau skills to the test.

Episode 5: Bumper Cars, Big Snappers, and Sore Losers (September 15)

Wasi Thomas, Rahera Hoterene, and Nikora Wharerau go head-to-head. On the water, someone lands a 20lb snapper. Wasi, and Chris face off in a game of table tennis. The Tipene boys share stories behind their nicknames. Tipene, Wasi, and Thomas hit the bowling alley.

Episode 6: Golf Swings, High Notes, and Higher Screams (September 22)

It’s tee-off time in Whakatāne. Pem Bird, Wasi, and Chris Winitana get into the helium before Tihini Grant, John Turi, and Wasi get into cake decorating. Wasi, Tipene and Thomas Rangihuna battle for (hypothetical) NZ Idol crown. It’s back to Rainbow’s End, for Rahera Hoterene, Tukoroirangi Morgan and Wasi.

Episode 7: Karate Chops, Wet Socks, and Wobbly Rails (September 29)

Tipene Rangihuna schools Wasi and Thomas in karate and nunchucks skills. At Rainbow’s End, Wasi, Rahera Hoterene, and Nikora Wharerau make a splash. Wasi, Joce Purewa, and Taiarahia Melbourne climb aboard the Awakeri Railway.

Episode 8: Drinks, Deep Tissue, and Dirty Tricks (October 6)

Wasi and John test out new massage chairs. In Ruatoki, the crew drop some old-school sayings you won’t hear anywhere else. Back in Rotorua, Wasi, John, and Taiarahia Black face off in a high-stakes kai challenge.

Episode 9: Balls, Baths, and Big Stacks (October 13)

It’s all about coordination, precision, and a touch of cardio as Waihoroi, Taiarahia Black, and John Turi face off. The crew hit Awakeri Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. We get a dose of old-school wisdom. Waihoroi, John and Taiarahia put their stacking skills to the test.

Episode 10: From Cards to Cowboys (October 20)

Competition heats up at the Euchre table. Waihoroi, Tīpene, and Thomas try their hand at lassoing. Things get weird in a strange objects guessing game. Waihoroi, Tīpene, and Thomas roll up their sleeves. Finally, in a round of Blackjack who’s the master of the cards?