Whakaata Māori and APTN partner for Indigenous sci-fi series

Whakaata Māori in New Zealand and Canada’s APTN have announced a partnership to co-produce ‘Māui & Elvis’, a live-action sci-fi adventure-comedy series for children and families. The project was unveiled at the World Indigenous Broadcasters Network Conference in Norway.

The series follows the adventures of two best friends: Māui, a Māori teenager from New Zealand, and Elvis, a Métis teenager from Canada. Together, they must protect Māui’s grandmother from an alien threat. The production will take place in both the South Island of New Zealand and Vancouver, Canada.

Key elements of the production include the integration of te reo Māori, which is expected to comprise at least 30 per cent of the dialogue. The series is a collaboration between New Zealand’s Whitebait Media and Canada’s Mosaic Entertainment, with Blue Ant International managing distribution. Production is scheduled to begin in November, with a planned premiere in 2027.