Mataku

2 0 0 1 – 2 0 0 2 (New Zealand)
13 x 30 minute episodes
2 0 0 5 (New Zealand)
7 x 30 minute episodes

Created by Carey Carter and Bradford Haami, this spooky anthology series of Maori supernatural tales was written, directed, produced, acted and crewed by a predominantly Maori team.

Two seasons of the South Pacific Pictures show screened on TV3, with a third airing on TV One in 2005.

In an homage to Rod Serling’s role in The Twilight Zone, each episode of Mataku (which roughly translates to “fear”, “frightened” or “quivering”) was introduced by actor Temuera Morrison.

The bilingual stories – rooted in oral storytelling traditions – focused on ordinary, modern-day characters who inadvertently encountered mysterious, supernatural phenomena.

The stories often explored tapu (sacred or forbidden boundaries), tikanga (customary protocols), utu (reciprocity or retribution), and interactions with ancient guiding spirits. Tragic or terrifying events often occurred when characters disrespected or ignored these traditional laws.

Mataku won major accolades at the 2003 AFTA New Zealand Television Awards (including Best Drama and Best Director) and received recognition at the international New York Festival in 2004.

Episodes

The Blue Line | The Enchanted Flute | Going to War | The Sisters | The Rocks || The Fishing Trip – Mahi Hi Ika | The Lost Tribe – Nga Iwi Ngaro | Divine Intervention – Ahu Mai Hohonu | The Final Plume | The Pathway of the Spirit | Sands of Time | The Heirloom | The God Child || The Wild Ones – Te Uru Takariri | The Tree – Te Rakau | Tears – Tangiwai | The Chosen Ones – Te Uru Tapu | Revelation – Te Whakakitenga | The Prisoner – Te Mauhere | The Photo – Te Whakaahua

Video