Māori student triumphs nationally in video competition discovered by chance on social media

A local student has won a national video competition after her mother “randomly” came across a Facebook post from Education NZ.

Ngaawai Simpkins (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Tuhourangi, Ngāti Wahiao, Ngāpuhi), head kaiako at Rangitoto College, submitted her entry to the Ngarimu video competition without the knowledge of her school, relying on her initiative.

The annual Ngarimu video competition, organised by Education NZ, aimed to showcase the storytelling, creativity and talent of young Māori filmmakers whose tupuna were in the Māori battalion.

However, the promotion of the competition was not as widespread as expected, with Ngaawai’s mother stumbling upon it through a Facebook post.

Simpkins's entry, a short film titled "Iti rearea, teitei Kahikatea ka taea", delved into the rich cultural heritage of her Papa Hui’s time in the Māori battalion.

Click here for more information about the film.

Simpkins said that the information gained benefited not only her but the entire Whanau.

"It was the first time anyone in the family had seen these documents... We all learned so much."

The entire experience allowed Simpkins to understand so much more about her family history and whakapapa but believes it could have been promoted more effectively to Māori students.

“I think a lot of people would benefit from this [entering the Ngarimu video competition].

“I've learnt so much, not only about my Papa Hui but the Māori battalion.”

The competition's organisers, Education NZ, have come under fire by local teachers for a lack of promotion to schools.

While the competition aims to provide a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their abilities, a lack of awareness in schools may have hampered widespread participation.

Education NZ promoted the event digitally through social media like Facebook and Instagram, however, did not reach out to schools.

Local Māori teacher Susan Cameron (Ngāti Ruaui) said that schools do have teachers who look for opportunities like this, however having Education NZ notify the schools could prove to be a massive help in providing unique opportunities for their Māori students.

Mrs Cameron described that without a deep understanding of Māori culture combined with inadequate support from Education NZ, “It must be almost impossible for the majority of New Zealand teachers to be able to deliver the number of expectations there are around the te reo Māori.”

Ngaawai said without this competition she would have never learnt about her Papa Hui and wanted to thank Education NZ for the opportunity to share her family's story.

If you want to find out more about the 2024 Ngarimu video competition click here.