A raw, real, reo-rich observational documentary series tracks the life-changing journey of two Māori struggling with obesity and medical inequity as they undergo drastic weight-loss surgery in a foreign country.
Funded by Te Māngai Pāho, PUKUNATI: LOSE WEIGHT OR DIE premieres on Whakaata Māori on Monday 1 September 2025 at 7.30 pm
All eight episodes – with English language subtitles – can be streamed on MĀORI+ from the same date.
Pukunati (which translates as fat) is a story of desperation, courage – and survival.
Unable to access publicly funded surgery in New Zealand, Gisborne teacher Faren Ormond (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu) and Rotorua journalist Roihana Nuri (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Gujarati) both decide to travel to India for bariatric surgery.
“Indigenous health inequity is a kaupapa we couldn’t ignore,” explains producer and director Ngahuia Wade (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou) from award-winning Lake Rotomā-based film and television production company Te Noni Ltd.
“Māori are getting sicker while stuck on hospital waiting lists, so we had to tell this story, our way, in our language, because our lives are on the line.
“For Faren and Roihana, the stakes are nothing less than life or a future of illness and even premature death.”
Filmed in Whakatāne, Tauranga and Rotorua in the eastern Bay of Plenty, as well as Kerala and Mumbai in south-west India, the documentary series features insights from 'obesity survivors' including medical tourism agent Annette Brons (Te Arawa).
Ngāi Tūhoe master orator and cultural expert Sir William (Pou) Te Rangiua Temara KNZM also explores mātauranga Māori around kai and the puku (stomach).
Importantly, examples of medical terminology in the Māori language are captured on film for the first time – normalising kupu hauora in a personal, practical and urgent way.
“PUKUNATI challenges the system, highlighting Māori voices in a global obesity epidemic while capturing the physical, cultural and emotional impact of seeking care far from home.”
Coming up on PUKUNATI: LOSE WEIGHT OR DIE:
EPISODE 1, MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - The Weight of a Decision: Faren and Roihana commit to surgery in India. But Roihana’s rare genetic condition may see him rejected by the medical team.
EPISODE 2, MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - The Stomach Churns: Faren confronts internalised shame and stigma. Obesity survivors expose the backlash and misunderstanding around bariatric surgery.
EPISODE 3, MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - Gut-Wrenching: Roihana's mental health is fraying. With a visa crisis looming, time is running out.
EPISODE 4, MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - Namaste: On arrival in India, Faren settles in while Roihana faces a devastating complication that could end his journey before it begins.
EPISODE 5, MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - Mind Over Matter: The operating theatre is prepared, but is she? Faren must contend with the emotions that could make or break her surgery.
EPISODE 6, MONDAY 6 OCTOBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - The First Cut is the Deepest: Faren wakes up reeling from pain and fear. Meanwhile, Roihana is blindsided by a decision that could destroy any hope.
EPISODE 7, MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - Trust Your Gut: Roihana faces his biggest challenge yet. Post-surgery, Faren battles body dysmorphia and ridicule.
EPISODE 8, MONDAY 20 OCTOBER 2025 AT 7.30 PM - Proof is in the Pudding: Faren is thinner but not necessarily happier. Roihana returns to India.
