Hīkoi: Then and Now

The 70s and 80 was a formative time for Aotearoa with much going on politically and socially. In Hīkoi, and set against this backdrop, we meet two ordinary, extraordinary characters Charlie and Nellie who fall in love, have kids and endeavour to live happily ever after. And, as often happens, it is left to the children to make sense of decisions made on their behalf by the people who love them.

Hīkoi boasts an impressive cast and crew and we asked them what they were like and what was important to them as teenagers.

Nancy Brunning (1989) – Writer and Director (Ngāti Raukawa; Ngāi Tūhoe)
When I was a teenager I was busy, nerdy, stroppy. John Lennon Glasses were awesome, and so were whales and tasseled edged scarves...and wrist watches. Finishing 7th form was important, my friends and not getting pregnant before I left home...

Jarod Rawiri (1996) – Actor (Ngāti Whanaunga; Ngāti Tūwharetoa; Ngāti Hine)
When I was a teenager I was lanky, sporty and thoughtful. My mate Geoff and I outside his family’s restaurant “Hurricanes Grill' in Bondi, Sydney. We were 16 and spent the summer working here and checking out the sites of Sydney.

Kali Kopae (2001) – Actor (Te Arawa; Ngāti Whakaue; Ngāti Pūkeko; Ngāti Awa)
When I was a teenager I was vain, rough and ambitious. Important to me when I was 16 was hang time with my friends and school holidays on my Grandparents farm with my brother.

Mara TK (2002) - Sound Design (Kai Tahu; Ngāti Kahungunu; Maniapoto)
When I was a teenager I was bashful, optimistic and a virgin. This photo is from my first trip to Wellington, I'd just been published by Huia for a story in Te Reo Māori...when I left kura kaupapa I lost the language - now, through my own daughter being enrolled in kohanga reo, I'm finally getting it back.

Gavin Rutherford (1987) - Actor
When I was a teenager I was sunburnt, awkward and pink. I grew up on the beach. Scottish skin. Scabs and cracked lips.

Miria George (1998) – Actor (Te Arawa; Ngāti Awa; Arorangi; Rarotonga & Areora, Atiu, Kuki Arani)
At 18 years old, I just wanted to be a citizen of world, in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, hitchhiking with Hanne.

Amy Macaskill (1998) - Costume Design (Kai Tahu)
When I was a teenager I was busy, ambitious, searching. The same basic things were Important to me then as they are now, Fashion and Friends. This photo is from a 'fashion shoot' way before selfies were a thing.

Aroha White (2002) – Actor (Ngā Puhi)
When I was a teenager I was bubbly, sneaky and creative.

When I was a teenager the most important thing in my life were my friends and family, I don't think that part of me has changed at all.

Wai Mihinui (2003) – Set and Publicity Design (Ngāti Raukawa)
When I was a teenager I was loud, vibrant, immature. Friends and goofing around was important to me during my high school time. I have fond memories of running around and being silly a lot of the time.

Hine Parata-Walker (2007) – Actor (Ngāti Porou; Kai Tahu)
Important was not embarrassing myself. Trying to get out of swimming training. Getting in the front row of the kapa haka group.

Ngakopa Volkerling (2001) – Actor (Ngāti Wai; Ngāti Hine; Taranaki)
When I was a teenager I was cheeky, loyal and outspoken As a teenager what was most important to me was finishing high school, being able to tell my Nan I went to university, not being pregnant before my time and the well being of my siblings and niece. As well as getting drunk, hanging out with friends and ... boys.

The Te Kākano Season of Hīkoi opens at Circa Theatre in Wellington on Saturday 28 June and runs for two weeks. Bookings can be made at Circa 04 801 7992 or www.circa.co.nz