July 26, 2022
Rangatahi panel makes sex-ed laughing matter
A group of young Māori influencers are bringing an indigenous perspective to sexual health.
AI – standing for Awareness in Intercourse and also the kupu Māori for sex – is a collaboration between Rotorua media company Arataua and Manurewa’s Te Kaha o Te Rangatahi indigenous youth health hub, with support from the Health Promotion Agency Te Hiringa Hauora.
So far nine episodes have been posted to Instagram, covering issues like sexually transmitted infections, relationships, pornography, consent, and other awkward conversations.
Sexual health educator Te One Matthews, who features on the panel alongside Stevie Davis-Tana, Tahu Hollis, Pere Wihongi, and Phoebe Hohepa, says the format allows serious topics to be shared with a lot of laughter.
It’s also a chance to look at traditional concepts, such as hoa takatāpui.
“That was because the majority of our men were travelling far distances without their significant other so engaging with each other to release tension or release stress or just to have fun, it was very normal, so bringing back those conversations because at the moment, based of religion and based off missionaries, these are the things we shouldn’t be doing,” Mr Matthews says.
There are plans to make versions of AI for podcasts and for Māori Television.
The Instagram show is here: <https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutai/?fbclid=IwAR11sPxamOKt4mxKm7_raMRr3i3Bh-tMD0JpiJjYO7Ri11YfyYuSyt57V_8>