the power of storytelling
The spirit of Karioi captured in film.
“We often think of Karioi from the Raglan side. But Karioi has so many faces, whakapapa, stories and deep connections for people. That’s what we really want to show in the film.”
the stories of those who call karioi home
Karioi has many faces.
Inspired by the success of Oliver MacLeod’s book launch, ‘Geology of Karioi Volcano’ in 2024, Tirohia Karioi was produced with locally sourced expertise, including camera operators, drone operators, post-production, and music.
Interview footage is supplemented with stunning drone footage, waiata and an original musical score. The Toitū Whāingaroa team – Lisa Thomson, Lara Sweetman and Michelle Levy, with Gareth Bellamy on post production and music composition, devoted hours of work to crafting the stories of people with deep connections to Karioi.
‘We saw how much interest was generated from Oliver’s book, particularly in the pūrākau (traditional Māori narratives) of Karioi and the hāpu perspectives.”
hapū connection to Karioi
Significant ties to Karioi.
Circumnavigating the mountain, the team interviewed 17 people with significant ties to Karioi. In doing so, the wider community is able to, through the film, grow their knowledge and sense of reverence for the mountain which is so prominent on our landscape.
Evoking emotional responses and deep reflections, viewers comments include how Tirohia Karioi expands their understanding and knowledge, particularly in relation to the depth of hapū connection to Karioi.
Premiering to a packed audience at a red-carpet event on Saturday, September 6 2025. Tirohia Karioi has been described as “essential viewing for everyone in the community”.
The Raglan Chronicle
Karioi’s spirit captured in local film.
A flaxroots feature documentary brings Karioi to life through the connections and shared stories of those who call Karioi home — from hapū and long settled whānau to artists, retired trappers and the work of conservationists.
Premiering on Saturday, September 6, with an invite only red carpet event and community screenings on Sunday, September 7 at 11am and 3pm at the Stewart St Church Hall, Tirohia Karioi – Behold Karioi captures the deep and varied connections locals share with Karioi.
