When a young woman, Mihi, vanishes, three estranged cousins must reunite to solve the mystery of her disappearance, with all paths leading to a river that flows both ways – Waihara.
Funded by Te Māngai Pāho, THE RIVER is the first Māori scripted drama podcast and premieres on Saturday 24 June on MĀORI+.
Co-Producer Piata Gardiner-Hoskins (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi) describes THE RIVER as an eerie six-part mystery podcast with a Māori twist.
“In the series, we follow Aria Hikirangi, a young career woman who must return to her rural hometown of Kingswood to help find her baby cousin, Mihi,” says Piata Gardiner-Hoskins.
“However, upon arrival, not everything is what it seems and when Aria discovers Mihi’s diary, which alludes to a more sinister truth, she must work with her cousins and navigate whānau drama, supernatural forces and an ominous river to discover the truth.
“Through a cast of unique characters this series unpacks themes of Māori identity, hara, whakapapa and forgiveness.
“Told through a cinematic, immersive listening experience, THE RIVER is the first scripted narrative Māori podcast that utilises the latest 360 reality audio technology,” says Piata, “placing listeners hand-in-hand with the Hikirangi cousins.
“With every breath of wind, whisper and violent splash, we submerge into the mystery behind Waihara and why, for generations, the people of Kingswood have vanished.”
