Where Shane Jones Went to School

A documentary about a school that educated key political figures in Māoridom while navigating the tensions between Christian faith and traditional Māori beliefs will premiere March 23 on Whakaata Māori.

Here’s the media release:

HATO TĪPENE – A LEGACY REBORN – ON WHAKAATA MĀORI & MĀORI+

 A powerful new documentary traces the reopening of one of Aotearoa’s most influential Māori institutions.

Hato Tīpene: A Legacy Reborn, premieres Monday 23 March at 8.30PM on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+.

Directed by Kimiora Kaire‑Melbourne – producer behind the award-winning series, Homesteads – this powerful documentary charts the long‑awaited reopening of St Stephen’s School (Tīpene), one of New Zealand’s oldest and most influential schools.

“Tīpene isn’t just a school – it’s a symbol of legacy, loss and renewal. This story is about carrying forward what truly matters, while having the courage to reshape what no longer serves us,” says Kimiora Kaire‑Melbourne.

“It is about resilience, reform and the determination of a community who believe Māori boys deserve every opportunity to succeed.”

Established in 1844, Tīpene forged a legacy like no other, shaping generations of Māori men who went on to become leaders in politics, academia, iwi, business and public life.

Among its old boys are many notable figures, including Waihoroi Shortland, Shane Jones, Hoani Waititi, Te Ururoa Flavell, Hone Harawira, Joe Harawira and Nathan Durie – and the late Kiingi Tuheitia. The kura was also a destination for boys from across the Pacific.

Given exclusive access to the rebuild process, and filmed over the pivotal period leading to its reopening in 2025, Tīpene – A Legacy Reborn weaves archival material, intimate recollections and present-day challenges into a compelling narrative.

From the emotional kaupapa of old boys returning to the whenua, to the urgency of designing an education model that meets today’s world, the film charts the complexities of rebuilding not just a school, but a legacy.

Beyond the physical rebuild, the documentary traverses one of the more profound tensions facing the new school: the role of religion.

“The film explores the intergenerational relationship between Christian faith and traditional Māori belief systems – how these worlds have met, merged and, at times, sat in tension within Māori education,” said Kimiora Kaire‑Melbourne.

After 25 years of silence, Tīpene has reopened its gates to a new generation.

Tīpene – A Legacy Reborn was made with funding from Te Māngai Pāho and NZ On Air.