“TUKU is a dedicated space to provide content for young people that is authentic, accessible and shareable,” says Shane Taurima, Tāhuhu Rangapū of Māori Television.

“We handed the creative controls over to a production team of young content producers, social media influencers and digital natives. TUKU is the result: content made by rangatahi, for rangatahi,” Mr Taurima says.

TUKU content spans a variety of genres including comedy, entertainment and lifestyle.

Kaihautū Hōtaka (Content Producer) Jordan Vahaakolo, a TUKU producer, says that despite technology unlocking a vast range of new content styles, industry embrace has been slow.

“It’s taken a long time for broadcasters to click on to the fact that young people do not consume content like their parents. TUKU changes this.

“Our Instagram only platform showcases youth-led content through a te ao Māori lens, which can be enjoyed and watched by everyone,” Mr Vahaakolo says.

TUKU can be found exclusively on Instagram here.

The team behind TUKU is:

Jordan Vahaakolo, Producer
Jordan has a background in dance, acting and presenting (Prestige Dance crew, lead actor ‘Born To Dance’ Feature Film, School of Training for Maori TV). His online social media presence has a large maori/pacific following (60k) where he mixes both humour and genuine whakaaro which relates well with rangatahi. His passion and work over the last two years has shifted behind the camera working in tv/film in production.

Riria Morgan, Production Manager
Riria has worked across multiple rangatahi productions, including rangatahi cooking show “Tao” and two seasons of Hakanation, a kapa haka youth show showcasing Haka Profiles, unplugged musicians, Aotearoa business entrepreneurs, rugby stars and actors with some kapa haka in the mix.

Jordan Cherrington, Camera Operator and Editor
Jordan has experienced producing, directing, filming and editing music videos and profiling interesting and talented music artist and artist around the motu. His experience in promotions brings knowledge around creating short and punchy videos, perfect for new platform delivery.

Crystal Vaega, Content Producer
Crystal is an experienced writer, director and producer for popular Pacific youth show Fresh TV. Graduating with a degree in Communications majoring in TV Production, her credits include short & feature film production. She is well versed in working with rangatahi and high profile talent, creating engaging and trending content for young Maori and Pasifika audiences.