Description:

The Queer and Here television series had its debut broadcast on Māori Television on 19th May, 2022. Each of the six episodes follows Aniwa Whaiapu Koloamatangi (Te Rarawa, Te Aupuri, Waikato, Tainui, Tonga) who identifies as takataapui. Within this series he interviews members of the rainbow community and the allies. From meeting one of only two gay rugby teams in New Zealand, to interviewing LGBTQI+ pioneers and activists like Chloe Swarbrick, to receiving his first HIV test, Aniwa appears fearless in his pursuit to educate himself and his viewers. This first of its kind television series in Aoteroa is significant in that is investigates issues that affect the LGBTQI communities. Globally, queer youths are consistently over-represented in suicide and mental health statistics. They are also more likely to experience depression, homelessness, and discrimination and this is substantiated by Aniwa when interviewed for the New Zealand Herald “I wish I'd had access to a good television show detailing the queer experience". In collaboration with series Director Ramon Te Wake, Jack Media engaged the music compositional skills of Maree Sheehan. It was extremely important to create the appropriate sonic expression that provided the desired texture and mood within each episode. Maree not only has a deep understanding of how music provides emotional capacity that is parallel with the stories and vision in this series, but she also has a deep understanding and insight into the LGBTQI community and into Takataapuitanga, which ultimately strengthened the compositional creativity within in this series. We are proud at put her forward to the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Awards.