In anticipation of the highly-acclaimed local film Kōkā, we are privileged to engage with the producers, Libby Hakaraia and Verity Mackintosh, both esteemed members of WIFT.
As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, Kōkā offers a timely reflection on the strength, courage, and power of women! The film celebrates female collaboration, driven by a team of dedicated women filmmakers. Kōkā showcases the pivotal role women play in shaping stories of resilience and cultural preservation. The filmmakers' passionate efforts bring to life a narrative that resonates with the broader experiences of women around the world, solidifying Kōkā as a significant addition to New Zealand’s cinematic landscape.
Kōkā will premiere in New Zealand cinemas on June 19, perfectly timed to coincide with the Matariki long weekend. This film presents an unmissable opportunity to celebrate Māori storytelling, the te reo Māori, and the remarkable contributions of women in the film industry.
Enjoy this insightful Q&A session in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 and be sure to mark your calendars for the cinematic debut of Kōkā this June!
1. What inspired the making of this film, and how does it align with the themes of International Women's Day? (This year's theme is equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.)
Verity: We wanted to make a film that places a Māori perspective at the heart of the story-told through the eyes of a kuia with indomitable spirit and grace. Kōkā offers a unique lens into the Māori worldview, exploring themes of dislocation, loss, reconnection, and the enduring strength of wāhine (women).
The journey in Kōkā is cyclical, reflecting the Māori understanding of time and healing. Through the eyes of our protagonist, we witness the deep and lasting impact of unresolved trauma, particularly on future generations. The film follows her as she confronts her past, navigates pain, and ultimately returns to her ancestral home—not just to find healing, but to complete a cycle, honour those who came before, and lay a foundation for those who will follow.
Kōkā is framed within the four fundamental values of Māoritanga—Manaakitanga (care and compassion), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land), Whanaungatanga (kinship and connection), and Tino Rangatiratanga (self-determination). These pillars reflect the power of women in shaping, protecting, and leading their communities.
At its core, this is a story of resilience, intergenerational relationships, and the strength found in shared knowledge and collective support. It speaks to the importance of lifting one another up, ensuring no one is left behind—values that align closely with the theme of International Women’s Day. This film is a testament to wāhine toa (strong women), celebrating their ability to reclaim their narratives and shape a more inclusive future for all.
Libby: The inspiration for this film comes from an ancient Ngāti Porou tale of a wahine toa. And today Ngāti Porou is still a tribe renowned for its female leaders. Kōkā is a film about mana wāhine - powerhouse women. Our Kōkā or matriarch is played by one such powerhouse, Hinetu Dell. Whaea Hinetu worked tirelessly throughout the film appearing in nearly every scene. It was physically and mentally demanding work that would have tired most people a lot younger than her. But it’s her whakapapa and her upbringing as a Ngāti Porou woman that sustains Whaea Hinetu. As a mother of eight, a Grandmother, Aunty and tribal leader and educator, she inspires everyone that she comes in contact with. On the set of Kōkā whaea Hinetu was always supporting us women and there were women in all departments including in camera, lighting and importantly behind the camera as director and producers.
The relationship between Director Kath Akuhata Brown and Whaea Hinetu was one of a shared whakapapa that, in the making of Kōkā was like an aunty and a niece. Hinetu was respectful of Kath’s direction and, at the same time, was able to share with Kath the nuances she wanted to bring from her own East Coast upbringing. Both of these Ngāti Porou women can be described as feminists who also fight for opportunities for other women.
In the role of Jo, Darneen Christian is also the embodiment of a strong woman, albeit one that has had to fight for her and other young people who society wants to label as outcasts. But the character of Jo is one that strives to build a community. She is determined to leave no one behind. It is Hamo played by Hinetu Dell that then takes Jo under wing and in doing so provides Jo with some much needed aroha.
2. How does KÔKÂ challenge traditional narratives about women?
Libby: Both of the central characters in Kōkā are gutsy, loving women who take no kaka from anyone. Despite the cards that are played by others in authority, they refuse to be victims or to be made to be less than. Instead they are advocates for themselves, for each other and for other women.
Verity: Kōkā moves beyond conventional portrayals of female strength by showing leadership that is both fierce and deeply rooted in aroha. The film challenges the idea that survival is a solitary journey—our characters navigate hardship through connection, proving that resilience is not about enduring alone but about standing together. It also highlights the often-overlooked leadership of older women, reinforcing that wisdom and experience are as powerful as physical strength.
3. What message or impact do you hope audiences take away from this film?
Verity: That healing comes from acknowledging the past, embracing identity, and finding strength in others. Kōkā reminds us that people are more than the labels placed upon them—there is power in reclaiming our narratives, in recognising those who walk alongside us, and in allowing aroha to guide us forward.
Libby: The power of female relationships, especially between an older and a younger woman. Also the importance of not judging people by their external appearances. Jo is not merely a delinquent and Hamo is not a very sick elderly woman.
4. How did having women in key creative roles shape the storytelling and production process?
Libby: From my perspective having Kath as the writer/director of Kōkā laid a strong foundation as to how the production would operate. Working closely with my fellow producer Verity, we made decisions based on ensuring that Kath and Whaea Hinetu were supported to be able to create this Ngāti Porou story. It was collaborative and enriching to work in this way.
Verity: The presence of wāhine in leadership roles brought a depth of care, intuition, and collaboration to the production. Every decision—whether creative or logistical—was made with an awareness of the film’s kaupapa and a commitment to honouring the film and wāhine at its centre.
5. When challenges arose in the making process, how did the team navigate this?
Verity: We work in an industry that demands flexibility, and if this is met with integrity and care we can ensure the well-being of the team and the story remains paramount. Libby implemented a tikanga framework, which offered clear parameters for the production, and crew to work within, but also the pathway to meet challenges as they arose. We navigated everything together, and everyone should be very proud of this beautiful story.
Libby: My role as the Māori producer was to ensure that the tikanga that we’d created for the production of Kōkā was in place to enable any challenges to be met. These included how members of the production team engaged every day on set, and also for any issues that arose. While there were challenges we tried to navigate these with integrity and care. This is because, as women leading, we wanted to ensure that this beautiful story stood as a work that all involved can be proud of.
6. What advice would you give to emerging wahine filmmakers and producers?
Libby: To know your story and to be well prepared. Because if your foundations are strong then a team of incredible artists can come and build your story with you.
Verity: Prep prep prep! Trust your instincts, listen, and back yourself. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and who challenge you to grow. The industry needs more wāhine voices—step into that space with confidence.
7. How does your film contribute to the broader conversation about gender equality and women's empowerment?
Libby: Kōkā is about women’s empowerment. We don’t make films that show and inspire women to stand in their power! Let's hope this inspires more stories that show authentic women of Aotearoa!
Verity: Kōkā is a testament to the strength of wāhine, both on screen and behind the camera. It showcases women leading, and advocating for one another and everyone around them—not just as an act of survival, but as a way to thrive. The more we see these stories told authentically, the more we expand the space for wāhine in storytelling, further connecting audiences around the world.
We at WIFT are celebrating everyone in your team who courageously and lovingly brought Kōkā to life. We appreciate the depth of wisdom offered in this article from the producers Libby Hakaraia and Verity Mackintosh. WIFT members, this film is being released on June 19. Please go and see this incredible work of women’s artistry and storytelling. Watch the Trailer