Why a regional kapa haka competition made director Mike Jonathan cry

Sunday, 21 June 2026

Who: Mike Jonathan (Tainui, Mātaatua, Te Arawa)

What: filmmaker, co-director of Unlikely Kin with Kim Webby, screen industry veteran, doer.

Question 82 of 101: What job would you like to try for a day?

The job I'd like to try for a day is being Prime Minister. Why? Cos I know I can make our country a better place in one day.

Question 12 of 101: What do you eat for breakfast?

I'm a low-carb eater for life. My go-to at Okere Falls Store in Rotorua is chilli scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and grilled halloumi.

Question 34 of 101: When was the last time you cried?

After the Tāmaki Makaurau Kapa Haka Regionals. I was editing the final episode of Haka Hopefuls, a show I produced with my son Te Kaha, his mum Nevak and his best mates. Watching my son and his friends grow from little kids into young adults, then seeing them all perform with the winning kapa, Angitū, hit me hard emotionally. I cried while editing. Not because they won, but because they’re thriving as proud young Māori. Confident in who they are, where they come from, and what they stand for.

Question 49 of 101: What was your first car?

My first car was a two-door Vauxhall Viva, 1994. It was $15 to fill and would travel everywhere within the BOP.

Question 91 of 101: Are you more of a thinker or a doer?

Thinking is just a waste of time if there’s no doing behind it. Ideas mean nothing if they never leave your head. For me, the doing is the real learning. We're not here for long, so might as well do something worth it, not just for me but for everyone.

Unlikely Kin offers rare access to a sacred world where whales, forests and even rats are revered as living ancestors. The documentary has its world premiere at Doc Edge with screenings in Auckland on June 24 and July 10, and Wellington on July 20. Tickets available at docedge.nz