Funded by Te Māngai Pāho, LIFE IN THE FFN is a seven part factual series premiering Monday 16 October at 7.30 PM on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+.

Series director and producer, Julian Arahanga of Awa Films says he’s always been inspired by the way the people of the far, far north hold steadfast to their communities, their whānau, and the simple pleasure of doing things their way.”

“Whether it inspires envy or inspiration, our aim with LIFE IN THE FFN is to give viewers a glimpse of how things could be if you choose to live a more free, and grounded lifestyle.”

“With many of us struggling day-to-day on the hamster wheel of a hand-to-mouth existence it is refreshing to see that there is another way, yet this is a largely forgotten part of Aotearoa,” says Julian.

“Rugged and windswept like the landscape, the people up here exist largely beyond the sight of government, building resilience and instilling a can-do attitude in their DNA,” says Julian.

The series showcases stunning locations, including Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē, Te Paki Stream and sand dunes, Great Exhibition Bay and Pārengarenga Harbour.

“We had great days at JC Park with the skating youth of Kaitaia and rocked in a car shed with up-and-coming FFN band Norizon – and even got to be part of a whale flensing process after a pygmy sperm whale washed up while filming.”

COMING UP ON LIFE IN THE FFN:

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER 7.30 PM – Samson Murray – AKA ‘Just Anatha Māori Boi’ – Samson Murray (Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa) JAMB is a familiar face in the FFN. He is the local courier, beekeeper, aspiring oyster farmer and, most importantly, a husband and father.

MONDAY 23 OCTOBER 7.30 PM – Hine Waitai-Dye –Hine Waitai (Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Rēhia, Tainui) shows us how young people do it in the FFN. She’s continuing traditions, whether it's exploring her tā moko craft, working to protect the environment, or getting out for some hunting with her dad.

MONDAY 30 OCTOBER 7.30 PM – Derek Ashley – Musician and skater, Derek Ashley (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Kuri, Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto) works to change the narrative of his community, showing us how he holds it down for the rangatahi in the FFN.

MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM – Rosie King – Rosie King (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Māhanga) credits her positive attitude to a life of sport, waka ama and her love of horses. She passes her knowledge to the local rangatahi.

MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM – Tihei Harawira (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa) – Aiming to eradicate the stigma surrounding autism, vegan, free-style rap artist Tihei Harawira performs his music to connect with people.

MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM – Penetauī Kleskovic  – Penetauī Kleskovic (TeAupōuri, Ngāpuhi) faces the daily challenges of working as a local Māori councilman with a focus on iwi investment. He honours his Yugoslavian heritage and the gum-digging history in the FFN.

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM –Lance Taylor and Deena Taylor – (Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kuri) After spending twenty years in Australia, nothing beats home in the FFN for married couple Lance and Deena. They show their gratitude for their home through kaitiakitanga.