Director’s Notes - Tama Poata
"Te Ao Kapurangi is a New Zealand period film depicting an episode of the ‘musket wars’ between indigenous Maori tribes who take advantage of new warfare technology supplied by British colonialism.
Te Ao Kapurangi is a New Zealand short film that illustrates only one visual of several ‘musket wars’ which quickly sprang up throughout the country as tribal access to white colonial muskets became easier.
Some Maori tribes recognised the newly acquired fire-power as more than a means to gain equality with traditional foes, but a golden opportunity for political and economic ascendancy. The armed invaders were able to settle old scores with a brutal passion. However, many pockets of resistance often displayed an un-sheakeable bravery in defence of their dwindling numbers.
Maori women were recorded as leaders in their own right and often fought alongside their men-folk in defence of their children.
Te Ao Kapurangi is one such woman who is dramatised from a true event in the annals of New Zealand’s historical archives."
