The passing of respected Māori advocate and activist Sharon Hawke in Samoa marks a profound loss for te ao Māori, particularly for Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei, the Māori broadcasting sector, and the wider movement for mana motuhake. Her return home to Takaparawhau carries deep significance, closing a life chapter that was firmly grounded in whenua, whānau, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Over decades, Sharon Hawke played a pivotal role in shaping Māori broadcasting. Her work contributed to strengthening the presence and authenticity of Māori stories on screen at a time when representation was limited and often mischaracterised. Through her efforts, Māori narratives were not only told but told with integrity, reflecting the lived realities, aspirations, and resilience of whānau and iwi. Her influence helped create space for Māori voices in mainstream and independent media, ensuring that storytelling remained anchored in tikanga and community accountability.
Hawke’s political consciousness was forged early in life, particularly during the occupation of Bastion Point. Those formative experiences at Takaparawhau instilled in her a deep understanding of land rights, sovereignty, and the enduring struggle of Ngāti Whātua. The occupation became a defining moment, shaping her lifelong dedication to advocacy and reinforcing her role as a staunch defender of her people’s rights and identity.
The legacy of filmmaker Merata Mita also played a significant role in Hawke’s journey. As the only filmmaker authorised by tangata whenua to document the Bastion Point occupation, Mita’s work set a powerful precedent for indigenous storytelling. That influence extended to Hawke, helping shape her approach to media as a tool for resistance, truth-telling, and empowerment. The connection between activism and storytelling became a hallmark of her contributions, reflecting a commitment to ensuring Māori perspectives remained central and uncompromised.
The Hawke whānau has long stood at the forefront of Māori broadcasting and iwi development, and Sharon Hawke’s leadership within this legacy was both influential and transformative. Her role within Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei extended beyond advocacy into governance, where she contributed to the ongoing evolution and strengthening of iwi structures. Her work supported the advancement of economic, cultural, and social aspirations, helping position the iwi for future generations while remaining grounded in its history.
As tributes continue, her impact is being reflected upon by those who worked alongside her, including long-time friend and colleague Whetu Fala. Hawke’s legacy endures in the stories she helped bring to light, the movements she stood behind, and the generations she inspired to continue the pursuit of mana motuhake.
Her voice may have fallen silent, but the kaupapa she carried remains strong.
#SharonHawke #ManaMotuhake #NgatiWhatua #BastionPoint #MaoriBroadcasting #IndigenousVoices #Takaparawhau #MaoriMedia #Aotearoa #IwiLeadership
