A half light purple and half yellow background with host, Josh Thomson, in the centre. Behind him are black and white images of six historical figures from various time periods. They have been superimposed so that they appear in a staggered star burst sort of pattern.

Text reads, "My Favourite Dead Person".

9m

School Holidays = New Season! | A sketch show for kids that honours New Zealand history by telling some of our incredible, funny, inspiring, and outrageous stories.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

8 episodes

James McKenzie

The outlaw who committed the most Kiwi of crimes: sheep-stealing. James McKenzie rustled hundreds of sheep and became such a legend that a large part of the South Island still bears his name.
Season 3/Episode 1
9m

Esther James

New Zealand's first fashion model, and tireless promoter of local products. During the Great Depression, Esther James walked the length of the country to support Kiwi goods—and became the first person to walk the nation end to end.
Season 3/Episode 2
10m

Joan Wiffen

Discover the fossil hunter who proved dinosaurs once roamed New Zealand. With no formal training, Joan Wiffen taught herself everything she knew and changed our understanding of history.
Season 3/Episode 3
10m

Chew Chong

The Taranaki businessman and community hero who helped pioneer the dairy industry. Chew Chong was an award-winning butter-maker and also cared for locals with traditional Chinese medicine.
Season 3/Episode 4
10m

Papa Tom Davis

From NASA scientist to Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. Tom David studied the effects of space on astronauts before leading his nation with the same adventurous spirit.
Season 3/Episode 5
9m

Nancy Wake

The World War II spy known as The White Mouse. Nancy Wake won more medals for bravery than any other woman, mastering disguise and espionage wile outsmarting the Nazis at every turn.
Season 3/Episode 6
10m

Tītokowaru

A brilliant strategist and military leader who fought against the British army. Though he longed for peace, Tītokowaru's unmatched ability to win battles made him one of Aotearoa's most formidable leaders.
Season 3/Episode 7
9m

Richard Pearse

Most people think the Wright brothers were the first humans to fly. But it might have been a Canterbury farmer called Richard Pearse. Richard built a plane out of bamboo, which both crashed and flew—rewriting the story of aviation.
Season 3/Episode 8
9m

Trailers & bonus video

Trailer (Season 3)

My Favourite Dead Person is a sketch show for kids that honours New Zealand history by telling some of our incredible, funny, inspiring, and outrageous stories while highlighting what makes them unique and relevant to our special corner of the world. In each episode, comedian Josh Thomson is joined by tamariki who bring these stories to life through their own interpretations and comedic sketches. From a dinosaur-discovering fossil hunter to a sheep-stealing outlaw, a fearless WWII spy, and even a farmer who may have flown before the Wright brothers, their stories are all hilariously explored in My Favourite Dead Person.
Season 3/
1m

Produced by

The Downlow Concept partner logo for use on dark background

Made with the support of

Partner Logo for NZ on Air for use on dark background

More like this

  • Back to Timor

    Back to Timor follows the journey of four Kiwi military veterans who return to East Timor 25 years after serving as peacekeepers there. The big question for them: did they make a difference?
    Back to Timor/Film
    43m

  • Documentary

    After Indira Gandhi's assassination, the 1984 Sikh Massacre unfolded, with thousands of Sikhs violently killed over three days. Many sought asylum. 1984 follows their journey to find home in Aotearoa after enormous tragedy.
    1984/Film
    1h 4m

  • Documentary

    I Am a Dark River is a playful and experimental documentary focused on the story of New Zealand modernist printer and publisher Bob Lowry, through the eyes of his granddaughter Tess.
    I Am a Dark River/Film
    1h 10m

  • Fly Like a Moa

    Kauri isn't allowed to go rock-climbing with Lani. Kauri meets a moa and learns that everyone has different strengths.
    What Will I Be Today?/Season 1/Episode 1
    5m

  • The Rise and Fall

    Isabella Moore’s career soared with body positivity, but fashion’s return to thinness now threatens everything she’s fought for as a Samoan-Kiwi curve model.
    Cutting the Curve/Episode 1
    10m

  • Documentary

    Joy, Full & Fearless follows the trauma and triumph of Joy Cowley's astonishing life as New Zealand's prolific, widely published and celebrated author of children's fiction. Available in NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
    Joy, Full & Fearless (New)/Film
    56m

  • NZ's United Nations History

    As Winston Peters heads to the UN, Context looks back at how NZ has shaped the world stage — from Peter Fraser at its founding to peacekeepers in Korea and Timor, and a fiery clash with Israel.
    Context (New)/Season 1/Episode 5
    45m

  • Melissa Chan-Green | Til Death

    Content warning: discusses death and loss, and sexual assault. After his bride’s death just hours after their wedding, a devastated groom struggles to process his grief. Five years later, he turns to Melissa Chan-Green to tell his heart-wrenching story for the first time.
    re_covering/Season 5/Episode 8
    57m

  • Flight Night

    Rumour has it that every Halloween, the tiny humans transform into hideous monsters—including something so unspeakably awful, even grown-ups have nightmares about it.
    Bird's Eye View (New Season)/Season 2/Episode 1
    5m

  • Rabbits and Other Pests

    No one knows for sure who first introduced rabbits to New Zealand, because no one wanted to take the blame for what became one of New Zealand's biggest environmental and economic disasters. We start season two burrowing into the devastating history of rabbits and other pests.
    The Aotearoa History Show/Season 2/Episode 1
    19m

  • Tangata Whenua

    The first episode tackles the settlement of Aotearoa. From Polynesian travelers, right through to British and European settlers.
    The Citizen's Handbook/Season 1/Episode 1
    11m

  • Migrant Sex Workers

    Sex work is decriminalised in New Zealand, unless you’re a migrant worker. Alice asks why this discriminatory law hasn't been changed.
    Alice Snedden's Bad News/Episode 1
    13m

  • Wedding Vows

    From Shakespeare to sitcoms, this week the Whakamāori crew take on the ultimate declaration of love: wedding vows. Join our trio of translators—Chey Milne, Tākuta Anaha Hiini, & Manaia Ward—as they breathe new life into the heartfelt promises of Monica & Chandler (Friends), the tragic poetry of Romeo and Juliet, and the awkward brilliance of Amy & Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory). What happens when you blend the language of love with the beauty of te reo Māori? Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a language nerd, or just here for the Shakespearean drama, this one's for you.
    Whakamāori (New Season)/Season 3/Episode 3
    44m

  • Welly on a Plate

    In 2018, a huge amount of cooked spaghetti was dumped on Wellington’s Mt. Vic lookout and we still don’t know why. Bubbah is shocked people have just moved on. How could you move on from this?!
    ConspiraSeries/Episode 1
    9m

  • Episode 1

    Piripi takes us on a tour of his kingdom, introducing his girlfriend Luxy and showcasing his many talents, which include cleaning the whare and doing the lawns... NOT!
    The Adventures of Piripi Kaiwaru AKA Phillip! /Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • An extended interview with Minister of Finance Nicola Willis

    Minister of Finance Nicola Willis discusses the significant challenges facing Aotearoa's economy. The latest figures show GDP has contracted more sharply than forecast, while investor confidence has fallen to lows not seen since COVID. With unemployment climbing and the cost of living putting pressure on whānau across the motu, what is her plan to kick-start the economy, and what role might iwi play in the recovery?
    MATA with Mihingarangi Forbes/Season 3/Episode 19
    29m

  • Te Hekenga

    As the Native Land Court reshapes Aotearoa, Hector’s world unravels. Bound by whakapapa, he fights to protect his son’s future—while Māori sovereignty slips through Crown hands.
    Stolen Lands/Season 2/Episode 5
    21m

  • Bondi Babes

    Soph's first flight to Sydney leads her to Bondi Beach post-accident, where sand and wheelchairs clash. With the help of lifeguards, she discovers how accessible the beach can be!
    This Is Wheel Life/Season 2/Episode 7
    14m

  • The Driving Lesson

    When Trish, a spirited mother, decides to give her son Mana a driving lesson, what was intended to be a simple rite of passage quickly escalates into a chaotic encounter.
    A Place Called Te Awamutu/Episode 1
    5m

  • Immortal Beloved

    Everyone gathers to address a sensitive issue concerning Jasper’s private parts. After the family gets news that Denis doesn’t have long to live, Scarlett prepares to save her grandad from dying.
    Blind Bitter Happiness/Episode 1
    14m

  • Serenade

    Mac helps a Palagi boy win over an island girl with an original song.
    I Got You/Season 1/Episode 1
    4mvertical

  • Meet and Greet

    It's the highly anticipated first day of the netball season, aka Jim's send-off. Will Kate be able to assemble her team of misfits in time?
    Here If You Need/Episode 1
    9m

  • Part 1 (2024)

    Ruamata captures the journey of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata's rise to the top of hockey in Aotearoa as they become the first Māori immersion school in a century to compete in the prestigious Rankin Cup.
    Ruamata: It's More Than Hockey/Film
    1h 0m

  • Kenneth Roth

    Do Israel’s actions amount to genocide? Kenneth Roth has spent decades documenting human rights violations. He explains how genocide is defined—and whether it’s happening in Gaza. Plus, is Trump's power on the wane?
    30 with Guyon Espiner/Season 3/Episode 13
    32m

  • Yeah Pare

    Lost at the night markets, Janjan tries to find his parents. While searching, he befriends Kiuga, who takes him on a fantastical journey to find his loved ones.
    Day One Shorts/Episode 1
    10m

  • Kia Tupato (Be Careful)

    With tensions rising between the new government and tangata whenua, Wayne and his traffic-management crew brace for the biggest Waitangi Day celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand's history.
    Hi-Vis/Episode 1
    6m

  • Not Her Destiny: Former church member asks, "Did I not deserve to be protected?"

    For years, Destiny Church shaped every part of Lynia Morseu-Tol's life: her faith, her family, and her identity. As a takatāpui wahine Māori, its teachings left her feeling ashamed, conflicted, and alone—all while she endured years of abuse at home. 16 years after leaving the church, Lynia speaks out about its leaders, whom she believes failed to protect her, and condemns Ngāti Uenuku - Rainbow Community. This is Lynia's story of reckoning with faith, identity, and whānau.
    MATA Reports (New Report)/Season 2/Episode 2
    28m

  • The Political "Cost" - Tim Costley

    In the final episode of Ngā Porokate, we head back to the ahi and sit down with National MP for Kāpiti, Tim Costley. Our kōrero dives into his whakaaro on the coalition government, the cost of living, co-governance, and whether he'll be standing again in the 2026 election. A straight-up, no-frills conversation on politics, perspectives, and the future direction of our communities.
    Hori on a Hīkoi/Episode 10
    25m

  • Lau Yuet Seen

    It was September 1938 when Lau Yuet Seen received word from her husband to leave Fah Dei for Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Japanese troops were close to landing north of Hong Kong.
    Farewell Guangdong/Episode 1
    22m

  • Overview

    We dive into Te Tiriti o Waitangi—Aotearoa's founding document—and how it's shaped Aotearoa. Kara Rickards sits down with treaty experts, educators, and lawyers to delve deeper into the historical context.
    Treaty Talks/Episode 1
    46m

  • Inspiration to Write

    Nina Mingya Powles (writer & poet) grew up near Katherine Mansfield's Wellington home. KM ‘loomed’ over her childhood. Powles & graphic artist Sarah Laing make Mansfield a contemporary character.
    Shine On Katherine Mansfield/Episode 1
    7m

  • Mamas Return to Play

    Juggling new motherhood in often-isolated countries and continuing a sports career can have big pressures on Pasifika women.
    Outside the Lines (New)/Episode 1
    9m

  • Main Feature

    From visionary director Katie Wolfe comes an unflinching documentary of a forgotten history retold from every side.
    The Haka Party Incident/Film
    1h 28m

Video section home

Browse all
Three ovals with images from the short films inside. One oval has two young children, another has a woman holding melting ice creams, the third is a man looking out of a window. Text reads, "Day One Shorts".
A group of people performing a haka outside amongst the trees. The person at the front is in focus and doing a pukana. Text reads, "NZ Wars: The Stories of Ruapekapeka".
Against a black background, a group of opera singers sing. The green text reads: "Toiere."
A Little Blue Penguin sits in a rocky landscape. Text reads "Kororā, little blue penguin".
Text reads, "House Talk" on a white brick wall background.
An archival picture of a group of Pacific Islanders posing for a group picture. The text reads "Untold Pacific History"
In India, a group of people walk down a path in front of a historic building. Above the building in orange reads: "1984"
A person sitting on a hill looking out onto an inlet. The image is take from behind the person. Text reads, "Inside Outside". There is an overlay of a recording boarder along the perimeter of the image.
A sharp yellow pencil is placed in the center of a tile with a light grey background. The title 'Recovering' is above the pencil, with an underscore after 'Re'.
The host, Mihingarangi Forbes, smiling at the camera. Text reads, "Mata".
Black and white faces of Helen Clark, Dame Jenny Shipley, Jim Bolger Geoffrey Palmer and Mike Moore, with the words 'The 9th Floor' underneath them. The background of the image is black.
A background image made up of red orange and blue shapes. Text reads, "Shine One Katherine Mansfield" in the 'O' is a black and white photograph of Katherine Mansfield's face.
Six people standing in a row wearing indoor netball bibs. The person in the centre is holding a netball and smiling that the camera, everyone else looks curious or fed up. Text reads, "Here If You Need".
A sepia toned image of a family photograph depicting a woman holding the hands of two young children. The photo is deteriorating and the child on the left is almost obscured by the damage. The text reads, "Farewell Guangdong" there are also four Chinese characters, or 'Hanzi', above the text.
A sand dune with the ocean behind it in a cove, everything shadowy and violet in the twilight. The text reads "Whitiki! Whītī! Whītī! E!"
Piripi is wearing a shirt and a cap and looks into the camera smiling. He is leaning against the side of a vehicle. Text reads, "Oe, The Adventures of of Piripi Kaiwaru AKA Phillip! Narrated by his Mother" There is a small illustration of a truck under the text, as well as illustrations of deer horns and a kangaroo.
A man looking into the camera with his mouth slightly open. His left eye is bugged out in a comically over the top way. Text reads, "A Place Called Te Awamutu".
A multi-media illustration of four different figures in different art styles. Text reads, "Our Aotearoa".
Guyon Espiner on a black background, looking at camera with logo behind him
Woman looking into the camera, standing side on. She has a staunch expression and Is wearing a bright pink blouse. Text reads, "Breaking Silence". Text and woman stand against a dark, almost black background.
A large mountain capped with snow. Text reads, "Land of the Long White Cloud".
Young man with soot on his face looking into the camera, in his left hand he's holding a Patu (weapon). Text reads, "NZ Wars: Stories of Tauranga Moana".
A black-and-white image of Joy Cowley on a swing. The text in front of her reads: "JOY, FULL & FEARLESS."
A man standing in front of a mural of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag (Māori flag). Text reads, "Hori on a Hīkoi".