Your Matariki Whānau Movie Marathon
Gather close. Celebrate connection. Let these Kiwi classics spark joy, courage, and kōrero.
This Matariki, let’s slow down and share moments that matter. Whether you’re snuggled on the couch or piled onto the living room floor with popcorn in hand, these 8 wholesome New Zealand films are perfect for a family movie night filled with heart, humour, and reflection.
Let the stories inspire your own—to dream big, love fiercely, forgive gently, and remember what really matters: whānau.
Tinā
Rating: PG (2025)
Themes: Resilience, justice, hope
Live boldly, love deeply, help wholeheartedly.
Watch Tinā step up for her community with fierce compassion. Her story will inspire you to do the same, reminding us all that kindness is a powerful legacy.
Born Racer
Rating: PG (2018, Documentary)
Themes: Discipline, humility, perseverance
Quiet strength. Relentless perseverance.
Follow Kiwi racing legend Scott Dixon as he stays grounded in the face of pressure and pain. A moving testament to resilience, perfect for when life feels tough.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Rating: PG (2016)
Themes: Belonging, healing, unexpected family
Unlikely bonds. Unexpected whānau.
Full of laughs and heart, this wild adventure proves that even the most unlikely people can become family—and that no one is ever truly alone.
Boy
Rating: M – best for teens and adults (2010)
Themes: Fatherhood, brokenness, forgiveness
Heartache and hope in equal measure.
This raw and moving story invites deeper reflection—on brokenness, imagination, and the quiet strength it takes to forgive. Best for older whānau.
The World’s Fastest Indian
Rating: PG13 (2005)
Themes: Purpose, tenacity, legacy
Never too old. Never too late.
Burt Munro’s incredible true story reminds us to keep chasing our dreams—no matter our age. A great conversation starter for grandparents and tamariki alike.
The Legend of Johnny Lingo
Rating: PG (2003)
Themes: Redemption, identity, self-worth
Love transforms. Respect empowers.
A heartwarming island tale that shows how aroha and honour can change lives—and how truly seeing someone can help them become their best.
Whale Rider
Rating: PG (2002)
Themes: Leadership, Māori culture, perseverance
Rise with courage. Lead with love.
Let a brave young Māori girl remind you what it means to honour the past, uplift your people, and step boldly into leadership—no matter your age or gender.
Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale
Rating: PG (1986)
Themes: Rural life, humour, friendship
Good laughs. Great dogs. Classic Kiwi chaos.
A bit of nostalgic fun for all ages. Full of cheeky charm, loyal mateship, and farmyard humour, this animated gem will leave the whole whānau giggling.
Make space to rest, remember, and reconnect. Light a candle, set the pillows, and press play. These stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re invitations to celebrate who we are, where we come from, and who we walk alongside.
Ngā mihi o Matariki—happy Matariki to you and your whānau. 💫
This Matariki, let’s slow down and share moments that matter. Whether you’re snuggled on the couch or piled onto the living room floor with popcorn in hand, these 8 wholesome New Zealand films are perfect for a family movie night filled with heart, humour, and reflection.
Let the stories inspire your own—to dream big, love fiercely, forgive gently, and remember what really matters: whānau.
Tinā
Rating: PG (2025)
Themes: Resilience, justice, hope
Live boldly, love deeply, help wholeheartedly.
Watch Tinā step up for her community with fierce compassion. Her story will inspire you to do the same, reminding us all that kindness is a powerful legacy.
Born Racer
Rating: PG (2018, Documentary)
Themes: Discipline, humility, perseverance
Quiet strength. Relentless perseverance.
Follow Kiwi racing legend Scott Dixon as he stays grounded in the face of pressure and pain. A moving testament to resilience, perfect for when life feels tough.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Rating: PG (2016)
Themes: Belonging, healing, unexpected family
Unlikely bonds. Unexpected whānau.
Full of laughs and heart, this wild adventure proves that even the most unlikely people can become family—and that no one is ever truly alone.
Boy
Rating: M – best for teens and adults (2010)
Themes: Fatherhood, brokenness, forgiveness
Heartache and hope in equal measure.
This raw and moving story invites deeper reflection—on brokenness, imagination, and the quiet strength it takes to forgive. Best for older whānau.
The World’s Fastest Indian
Rating: PG13 (2005)
Themes: Purpose, tenacity, legacy
Never too old. Never too late.
Burt Munro’s incredible true story reminds us to keep chasing our dreams—no matter our age. A great conversation starter for grandparents and tamariki alike.
The Legend of Johnny Lingo
Rating: PG (2003)
Themes: Redemption, identity, self-worth
Love transforms. Respect empowers.
A heartwarming island tale that shows how aroha and honour can change lives—and how truly seeing someone can help them become their best.
Whale Rider
Rating: PG (2002)
Themes: Leadership, Māori culture, perseverance
Rise with courage. Lead with love.
Let a brave young Māori girl remind you what it means to honour the past, uplift your people, and step boldly into leadership—no matter your age or gender.
Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale
Rating: PG (1986)
Themes: Rural life, humour, friendship
Good laughs. Great dogs. Classic Kiwi chaos.
A bit of nostalgic fun for all ages. Full of cheeky charm, loyal mateship, and farmyard humour, this animated gem will leave the whole whānau giggling.
This Matariki...
Make space to rest, remember, and reconnect. Light a candle, set the pillows, and press play. These stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re invitations to celebrate who we are, where we come from, and who we walk alongside.
Ngā mihi o Matariki—happy Matariki to you and your whānau. 💫