A new eight-part podcast series is shining a spotlight on the journeys of wāhine Māori reconnecting with their whenua, sharing powerful stories of healing, restoration and hope while exploring the role of land in shaping stronger futures for whānau and communities.
Te Karanga o Te Whenua – The Call of the Land follows the lived experiences of wāhine Māori responding to the call of their ancestral landscapes by returning to maunga, awa, pāmu and papakāinga, as well as the collective spaces where decisions about whenua and future generations are made.
Across eight episodes, the series traces journeys of belonging, restoration and renewal while examining the barriers Māori continue to face in reclaiming whenua and navigating systems that have often failed to reflect Māori aspirations.
The podcast also highlights self-determined, whānau-led solutions that are restoring whenua, strengthening relationships, revitalising mātauranga Māori and supporting collective wellbeing. Through these personal stories, the series demonstrates how reconnecting with the land can also rebuild communities and intergenerational resilience.
Hosted by rangatahi presenter Jade Gibson, the series bridges mātauranga Māori with contemporary challenges, elevating the leadership of mana wāhine whose work is often overlooked despite being fundamental to the wellbeing of both people and the environment.
The project has been developed through the He Whenua Kanorau, He Whenua Manawaroa research programme. Researchers hope the podcast will help listeners better understand the close relationship between ecological resilience, cultural strength and community wellbeing, while encouraging people to strengthen their own connections with both place and each other.
The creators also hope the series will celebrate the strength, innovation and leadership of mana wāhine while inspiring action across communities to support resilient land use and healthier futures for coming generations.
Produced as part of research funded through the Kaihautu Māori Strategic Science Investment Fund, the podcast is available online, including on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast platforms.
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