Ake Ake Ake

> Series Classification: G (General Programmes) | Produced by Scottie Productions

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‘Ka whawhai tonu mātou. Ake, ake, ake”

Often shouted after the phrase, “Ka whawhai tonu mātou” (we will continue to fight). Ake, ake, ake meaning “as long as it takes!” – is a phrase that has become synonymous with Māori protest. 

Ake, Ake, Ake tells the story of SOUL and the land occupation at Ihumātao through the voices of the Cousins who were intimately involved in the actions that took place there.

With unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes footage shot by camera-man, Conan Fitzpatrick, Ake, Ake, Ake is a powerful documentary series that tells an intimate story of loss, betrayal and resilience in the face of adversity.

The story is retold retrospectively through the eyes of the Cousins as they recount the heart-breaking experience and trauma their ancestors endured over decades in their struggles to retain the land. The motivation behind their resolve to never give up no matter the setbacks.

We learn how SOUL were inspired and strengthened in their cause by using mātauranga Māori, those experiences and lessons from the past to revitalise and inform their current position whilst leading the Ihumātao protest.

Ake Ake Ake! provides a fascinating insight into the minds and experiences of these young Māori who were brave enough to defend their whenua. 

Ake, Ake, Ake is an emotive, powerful, and sometimes confronting documentary that revisits the events leading up to the occupation, the occupation itself and the future for Ihumātao. Present day inteviews with it’s leaders including Pania Newton and Qiane Matata-Sipu makes for inspirational and emotional viewing. Other experts and supporters, such as archaeologist, policy advisors and elders who took part in this historic event that shook the nation and the long term gains that were made over the 514 days that the land was occupied.

Screened to coincide with the 2nd anniversary of the occupation that took place at Ihumātao in July 2019, Ake, Ake, Ake is a must see documentary that explores a significant event in New Zealand’s recent history and how the inspirational footsteps of protesters in the past still reverberate to this day.

Available to watch until 19 July 2026

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