We recently completed music for this documentary for Maori TV directed by Kathleen Mantel.

One year of high school – 4 Maori boys.   Each struggling with some of the role models they have been given.  Each trying to find their own way.

On Air 8 September 2014, 9:30pm on Maori TV.  Pictures to follow.

JAZZ
The 13 year old Ross shield athlete, arrives from a small intermediate to a school of 750 and realizes that just being good at Rugby won’t cut it at high school.

EZRA
15 year old Ezra is slowly moving out from the shadow of his father.  He struggles to find the balance between what he wants to do with his life, and what he might have to do if that doesn’t work out.

PETER AND CHESSER
The twins. 17 year old twins Peter and Chesser Cowan are on the brink.  The brink of the next level.  Its not the great unknown for them, it’s something they’ve been preparing for their whole lives.  The future looks scary, but also bright as they prepare to leave school and make the transition from boys to men.

Maori boys are 3 times more likely to leave school with no formal qualifications than non-Maori boys.  Educating Tama follows 4 boys for one year as they make their way through a legacy of under-achievement that has been handed to them.  What will make a difference to these boys so they won’t be a part of the disappointing statistics of tomorrow.

“The single most important thing for a kid to succeed is the teacher .  Full stop.”
ROBERT STURCH – PRINCIPAL Hastings Boys High School

The boys attend Hastings Boys High School.  Founded in 1904 the school has a traditional backbone.  The teachers wear suits and ties and respect is high on their list of values.  Nearly half the boys at the school are Maori, and Principal Robert Sturch has targeted Maori Boys Achievement as a priority.  And this has paid off.

Educating Tama is the heartfelt, intimate and emotional journey of 4 boys as they navigate the waters of their own education.