Conversations With Wāhine

Harita chats to Meilani Payne and Madelain Vai-Little who are co-directors of this years Shooting Stars Pasifika Youth Initiative programme, Taula.
Meilani Payne is a Master's of Cross-cultural Psychology Student at Victoria University of Wellington going into her thesis year. From the island of Enuamanu, Atiu in the Cook Islands, she shows her dedication to equitable outcomes for her community through her studies and extra-curriculars. She is currently co-directing the shooting stars programme and has written various scenes for their upcoming showcase: Taula. 
Madelaine Vai-little is a graduate from Victoria University of Wellington, having studied Theatre and Media Studies. Maddy is a proud Samoan and Māori young wahine with a deep passion for Pasifika Performing Arts. This year, she went on a Performing Arts Education tour around New Zealand and has also been co-directing the shooting stars programme. Additionally, she has been a part of the writing process for the shooting stars upcoming showcase: Taula.
Shooting Stars:
Part of the Wellington Pasifika Festival, this programme sees a group of young Pasifika actors create a show which tells Pasifika stories. This performance is their theatre debut. The Shooting Star programme brings new artforms and performers to the Pasifika Festival, upskills a new cohort of Pasifika and Māori performers and celebrates Pasifika art. Created by Karl Kite Rangi with support from WCC City Events and with assistant directors Meilani Payne and Maddy Vai-Little. 
Taula:

Wellington City Council's Shooting Star Programme proudly presents an original theatre production, which debuts at the Hannah Playhouse on Saturday 7 Febrary 2026! This production centres themes of identity, belonging, the passing down of cultural traditions and the importance of family, both present and past. The story follows young people navigating their identity whilst figuring out their place in Educational spaces. Taula is performed by Māori, Pasifika and Asian rangatahi who are emerging and aspiring actors. Join us for a 50-minute show followed by a short talanoa/chat afterwards.

Booking Link: https://events.humanitix.com/shooting-star-programme
About the Pasifika Festival and Shooting Stars: https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/events-and-festivals/pasifika-festival#shooting
 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shootingstars.programme/

Harita and Sophie sit down with activist and 2023 Young New Zealander of the Year, Shaneel Lal.

Harita interviews Aotearoa artist Karra Rhodes following the release of her new album Hometown Therapy.

Laura and Harita are joined by Anna Osborne, Sonya Rockhouse, and director Rob Sarkies to talk about the Pike River mine story, a journey of loss, courage, and the enduring fight for justice.

Harita and Haley chat with the wonderful Suzy Cato, one of Aotearoa’s most loved children’s entertainers, for a heartfelt chat about her life, career, and the magic she’s brought to generations of Kiwi kids.