Since 2012, the Wairoa Māori Film Festival and Pollywood have proudly curated the Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika short film programme at NZIFF — a celebration of storytelling rooted in whanaungatanga and the deep connections between Māori and Pasifika communities.
Now in 2025, this legacy evolves into something even more powerful: Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best. This year’s programme brings together the finest short films not only from Māori and Pasifika filmmakers, but from across the motu — showcasing the best of Aotearoa’s creative voices. Out of 88 submissions, 13 outstanding finalists have been selected, promising a bold, diverse, and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Check out Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best - Programme Two for more films!
When the Geese Flew (2025)
Director: Arthur Gay
A sullen teenager hopes recovering his sister’s stolen dirtbike will change her mind about leaving their remote small town. This Cannes’ selected short brings arthouse nihilism to Godzone. — MM
When the geese flew NZIFF 2025
Picking Crew (2025)
Director: Tanu Gago
A subtle and poignant exploration of Pasifika masculinity and its queer-tinged boundaries. — LK
Picking Crew NZIFF 2025
Stage Challenge (2024)
Director: Stella Reid
Shy Ali joins a group of zealous schoolgirls creating a stage challenge concept that will both wow audiences and distract the girls from their concerns for the future. — HH
Stage Challenge NZIFF 2025
Chrysanthemum (2024)
Director: Jolin Lee
Gardening – peaceful, pleasant, intrusive, sad… Grief distracts confrontation, and blame is the only reality. — CF
Chrysanthemum NZIFF 2025
Our Party (2025)
Director: Joshua Prendeville
Katherine Mansfield’s __The Garden Party__ is modernised in this contemplative short, following teenage Laura as she hosts a party up the road from a mourning family. — HH
Our Party NZIFF 2025
Wild Nights, Wild Nights! (2024)
Director: Alex Farley
Ollie's girlfriend has a shiny new ring on her finger, but it ain't from Ollie. Shades of Chappell Roan in this sapphic not-quite-love story. — LK
Wild Nights, Wild Nights! NZIFF 2025