Quinton Hita might still be recognised as Shortland Street’s Nelson Copeland, but the actor-turned-producer has swapped scripts for farm chores, red carpets for muddy boots and big-city hustle for quiet whānau moments on a Northland lifestyle block – all while his daughters take centre stage. Ngā taitangirua (Nga¯tai), 15, and Ngā whakamoemiti (Moemiti), 12, are the stars of Te NGz, a hit online show following the two sisters’ life on the family farm.
In it, they take on everyday challenges – from escaping chickens to muddy verandas – while brainstorming creative solutions in fluent te reo.
Bringing life to the screen in Te Reo
“The chicken pen is a constant problem,” laughs Moemiti.
“It’s unsolvable!”
What started as dad’s idea has blossomed into a web series popular with tamariki, reo learners and parents.
“We wanted to make a show that reflects our life,” explains Ngātai. “And to do it in reo, our everyday language. It’s fun and hopefully other kids can learn from it too.”
Now in its second season, Te NGz (short for “The Ngās” for their first names) has hit its stride, with brothers Koro, 13, and Temepara, 22, making guest appearances alongside older sister Mikara, 18, when she’s home from the University of Otago. Brother Manuao, 20, also lives locally but has not yet made an appearance. Yet while dad Papa Q may pop up occasionally, the girls are clearly the stars
“A couple of people have stopped and asked, ‘Are you from TeNGZ?’” grins Moemiti.
“It’s kind of cool!” More interested in entrepreneurship, she’s currently launching her first business Waggies, dog treats inspired by her three dogs – Benji the border collie, Fatty the Jack Russell and Boogie the kelpie mix.
“I love dogs and I love money, so I thought, ‘Why not?’” she says.
A father’s creative legacy
There’s no doubt that founder energy comes from her proud dad. Although Quinton, now 54, stepped away from mainstream media years ago, he’s quietly continued behind the scenes. Following his time on Mai FM, Crooked Earth and Shortland Street (where he also had a role as te reo consultant), he went on to create Kura Productions and has been producing award-winning Māori-language content for more than two decades. He was the brains behind the hit feature film Mt Zion, starring Stan Walker, and the acclaimed drama Ahikāroa.
Reflects Quinton, “It feels like another life. I never set out to be an actor. I remember having a conversation with Michael Galvin, who plays Chris Warner [on Shorty], and complaining that I didn’t want to be pigeon-holed. His response was along the lines of how lots of people would give anything for that and it was a penny-drop moment. “It made me reflect and it became clear that Māori development and the language was what was important to me – film was just one of the ways I could serve that passion.”
Back to their roots in Te Tai Tokerau
Twelve years ago, he and wife Makareta Jahnke, both descendants of Nāpuhi, made the move to Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). They wanted to raise their kids close to their roots, enrol them in immersion schools and focus on community projects. While their plan was to step back from Kura Productions, that’s still a work in progress
“We thought we’d gently transition into the quiet life,” says Quinton.
“But we’re busier than ever!”
After purchasing an eight-hectare rural block, whānau and locals showed them the ropes. Quinton would then share videos of their farm life on his popular Facebook page, Māori Minute.
“Many Māori aspire to move back and reconnect with their marae and iwi, so it was a no-brainer to make a show about it. It has helped and inspired people to see a family like us make that journey.”
Makareta’s creative talents
Makareta, an artist, weaver and designer at Ākau, is just as accomplished. Her work was recently exhibited in Russell and Taranaki and she was the lead weaver of a ceremonial korowai (cloak) for Māori Land Court judge Alana Thomas. Following in dad’s acting footsteps, Ngātai has already filmed her first feature movie role – a hush-hush project due out next year.
“Dad helped me,” she shares.
“I was nervous and I thought, ‘What if I forget my lines?’ But he told me to breathe, stay calm and do my best. I want to be an actress.”
The Hita kids weren’t around back when dad Quinton was on screen.
“I knew he was known, but I didn’t realise he was stop-him-on-the-streets famous!” says Moemiti.
Ngātai adds, “He’s taught us so much. He’s patient, supportive and he’s got a lot of knowledge and wisdom to offer.”
A lifetime of investment in family
Quinton says watching his children thrive is the greatest reward.
“The girls are so amazing and capable. My wife and I could go away for a year, and they could run the farm, no problems. Their reo, their independence, their skills – it’s the result of a lifetime of investment.”
For more visit facebook.com/maoriminute
