M9 - Nine Powerful Voices, Nine Unique Perspectives

Following the enormous success of the inaugural event in June, M9 announces the second edition of the unique, hybrid speaker and performance event series celebrating powerful Māori voices that reflect a contemporary te ao Māori.

Coinciding with the build-up to te wiki o te reo Māori (Māori Language Week), the second edition of M9 boasts an impressive line-up of Māori thought leaders who will take to the stage at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday 9 September to inspire, empower and entertain with their unique perspectives on the event’s theme:

Whiua ki te ao!’ - ‘Hurl the Māori language to the world!’

Broadcaster, author and te reo Māori advocate Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) hosts a line-up that includes: Reality TV sensations and funeral directors, Francis and Kaiora Tipene – ‘The Casketeers’ (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Kahu), journalist and revolutionary news anchor Oriini Kaipara (Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe), prolific singer-songwriter, kapahaka exponent and self-confessed artivist Rob Ruha (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui), rugby legend come hunter-gatherer and producer Matua ‘Muts’ Parkinson (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi), esteemed te reo Māori lecturer, author and online educator Hēmi Kelly (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Whaoa), social media star Te Aorere Pēwhairangi (Ngāti Porou), composer, musical director and presenter Pere Wihongi (Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Wai) and documentary maker, journalist and award-winning artist - the legendary Moana Maniapoto (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa).