Frequently Asked Questions

What is M9?

M9 is the gathering of nine powerful Māori voices during one very special evening to share stories chosen to inspire, empower and impart kōrero Māori. This ground-breaking event is the meeting point between modern-day ‘TED-Talks’ and the age-old practice of traditional oratory and performance that our people are known for. M9 is a connection kaupapa for all people of Aotearoa that celebrates Te Ao Māori through Whakaaturanga, Whakaari, Whakawhiti Kōrero - Presentation, Performance, Conversation.

 

What is the topic for the next M9?

On April 10th, Te Ōhanga Māori will go beyond the numbers and answer the pātai — how does the Māori economy pave the way to prosperity, and how do we continue to build on our economic sovereignty in Aotearoa? Our nine kaikōrero will highlight Māori contributions that have long shaped our country’s unique economic base on a global scale, and each will delve into their unique stories and experiences in Te Ōhanga Māori.

 

We’re taking the kōrero out of the board room and bringing it to the people, showcasing the Māori economy as a powerhouse and a testament to Māori prosperity.

 

Who are the kaikōrero for the next M9?

Māori have been a driving economic force in Aotearoa for centuries, evolving with the times while staying anchored in our values. It is an economy that goes beyond the numbers, and serves the people. The lineup of Māori trailblazers and economic leaders taking the M9 stage includes:

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• The Honourable Nanaia Mahuta — Former Labour Minister | Strategic Adviser

• Mavis Mullins MNZM — Director of Paewai Mullins Shearing

• Traci Houpapa MNZM — Chief Executive Federation of Māori Authorities

• The Honourable Kiritapu Allan — Former Labour Minister | Director of KLA Consultancy

• Jamie Tuuta — Chair of Ka Uruora | Chairman of Sealord | Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga | Director of Kawe

• Te Kahukura Boynton — Director of Māori Millionaire

• Te Wehi Wright — Cultural Advisor for Māori All Blacks and Hurricanes | Senior Consultant Te Amokura Consultants

• Professor Matt Roskruge — Economist | Associate Professor Māori Massey Business School

• Kelly-Aroha Huata — Kaitiaki Maunga

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When is the next M9 and how can I attend?

10th April 2025,  Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

 

The event runs from 7:30pm to 10:30pm at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

 

What topics have been covered in past M9 events?

Since its inception in 2022, a wide range of kōrero centred around te ao Māori have been platformed on the M9 stage:

1. Matariki Huinga Nui (in celebration of Matariki)

2. Whiua ki te ao! -  Cast the Māori language to the world!

3. Taku ihi! Taku wehi! Taku wana! Kapahaka: A performers perspective

4. He Toi Whakairo, He Mana Tangata. Without Māori Art, Who are we?

5. He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari. Whānau, feeds and fame

6. Ka tohe au! Ka tohe au! I am The sovereign 

 

How many people have been part of M9 over the years?

Since 2022, M9 has had 7 shows to date. With 54 unique kaikōrero, 2 talented hosts, and thousands of engaged audience members, the M9 whānau continues to grow with each instalment. Grab your tickets to the latest M9 instalment now so you don’t miss out!

 

Who is the team behind M9?

M9 is a kaupapa that from the outset (January 2022) was created as a tiriti-led social enterprise partnership. At the heart of M9 is the desire to see an Aotearoa where tāngata tiriti and tāngata whenua create and engage with kaupapa Māori, to help foster a society based on understanding. 

 

Event organisers janda started M9 with Ria Hall as part of their kaupapa to set up world-class events and spaces that celebrate te ao Māori. 

 

Alongside sponsors, Te Māngai Pāho, Māia, Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori as well as content partner Re: News, a range of topics and kaikōrero are brought together on the stage, in the media, and across socials.

 

With a strong foundation the M9 team is committed to creating a captivating, educational and entertaining event discussing all it means to be unapologetically Māori.

 

What are the M9 Social Media Policies?

M9 socials are a safe space to empower Māori to speak on kaupapa of importance as we advance messages of Māoritanga here in Aotearoa. 

 

Kia tū hei pou herenga whakaaro - Rally our people for the betterment of the kaupapa. 

When we talk about bringing our iwi together we rally to promote aroha and manaakitanga, i ngā wā katoa

 

He Kiri Pahore - We are raw

M9 is a safe platform where our kaikōrero can speak with honesty, openness and depth. Our kaikōrero are sharing their personal stories to support the advancement of te iwi Māori. Me whakaaronui ki a rātou, me a rātou whānau. Everyone is welcome here! However we do not allow hate speech, racism, discrimination or defamation of our kaikōrero on our platforms.

 

Mā te mōhio ka mārama - Wisdom that is built on constant search for knowledge. 

M9 is a space for Māori to share their kōrero, whakaaro and huatau. We want to engage with our hapori 24/7. Speaking facts is pai. Spreading rumours or fake news, kāore i te pai. 

 

Kia māia, kia pono, kia tuturu - Stay true to the kōrero and the kaupapa for the betterment of our people. 

M9 is open to kōrero that addresses issues or inappropriate content. If you have any concerns feel free to address us directly and we can hui about solutions. Kaua e pakanga ko te tangata, pakanga kē ko te take.

 

How are M9 committed to Te Reo Māori?

Our rautaki reo demonstrates our commitment to Te Reo Māori within the M9 kaupapa.

 

He Rākau Taumatua, he huinga manu:

Wānanga, plan, script:

Kaikōrero have the opportunity to wānanga their presentation with Ria Hall as kaihautū and Stacey Morrison as kaiārahi reo, to ensure they use te reo Māori naturally, correctly, and extend their own understanding.

 

In wānanga kaikōrero will have an opportunity to plan, script and aim to ‘right-shift’ – extend their use of te reo Māori.

 

Encourage, akiaki, correct, nurture:

Where appropriate, our M9 kaikōrero are encouraged to connect with kaumātua and trusted iwi experts to support their expressions of reo and  mātauranga Māori in this setting.

 

Ria & Stacey will also encourage and nurture their growth and security in the knowledge that what they’re saying and presenting is correct.

 

Kia māhorahora te reo

Ko te reo kia tika, kia reo kia Māori

Our goal is that 50% of the M9 kaikōrero in 2024 are fluent Māori speakers. Another 30% are comfortable to hold simpler conversations in te reo Māori and are supported to use what they know. The remaining 10% of the cast are not confident speakers but use correct Māori pronunciation, and naturally drop kupu Māori into conversations.

 

Ko te reo kia rere, ko te reo kia ngahau

Fluent speakers will be encouraged, reminded and supported to speak te reo Māori at least thirty percent of the time. This is predictable as some presentations are scripted or sung. 

 

All M9 kaikōrero will have the opportunity to be supported by the whāriki of our rautaki reo – providing means to plan, check and deliver reo confidently.

 

In the event of a full event cancellation, will I receive a full refund?

In line with M9’s cancellation policy, tickets will be fully refunded in the rare event of cancellation.

 

​How has M9 ensured they will remain a creative, safe space for all?

M9 is a platform for Māori to share mana motuhake, whatever that looks like. It's a space where people and communities come together to influence, empower, and uplift one another. It’s a gateway for self expression and self determination. 

 

This means that we acknowledge and celebrate all kaikōrero that have graced the M9 stage. The past six M9 instalments have spotlighted 54 people who have shared 54 unique stories. Each of these stories has been diverse, complex, raw, and valid. Embracing it all is what it means to be unapologetically Māori.