Exploring the many ways we leave this life
Death, Reimagined explores the many experiences and ways we leave this life, the practical, the spiritual, and the emotional. It walks quietly alongside those planning for, adapting to, or living through the end of life.
We are currently looking for whānau who might want to be part of this journey. If you or someone you know is nearing the end of life and would consider sharing this sacred time with us, we would welcome a kōrero with you.
By sharing your story, you could help other whānau navigate their own end-of-life journey, understanding the choices available to them, and feeling more prepared for the planning and decisions ahead.
Today, there are many different ways to honour death, and we want to explore them all with the gentleness and mana that these stories deserve.
A six-part documentary series for Whakaata Māori.
“Mate atu he tētēkura,
ara mai he tētēkura.”
When one fern frond dies, another rises to take its place.
How whānau are reclaiming agency over death and farewell, from home-based tūpāpaku care to understanding funeral rights and reducing costs, so knowledge and honest kōrero can empower choices that reflect our values and circumstances.
A journey through Māori understandings of death, grief, remembrance, and wairua: tangihanga, waiata, karakia, whakapapa, and the deep traditions that guide whānau through loss while adapting to a modern world.
New and sustainable approaches to death care: natural burials, aquamation, eco coffins, and returning gently to the whenua. We look at how environmental values and cultural practice are reshaping how we farewell our loved ones.
How technology is changing the way we grieve, remember, and stay connected, from livestreamed tangihanga to digital memorials and online remembrance, reshaping mourning across generations and distances.
How diverse communities maintain and adapt their farewell traditions: Māori, Pasifika, Muslim, Indian, Filipino, and migrant perspectives on identity, belonging, and honouring loved ones far from home.
What happens after the farewell, when the world keeps moving: grief, remembrance, healing, returning to everyday life, and the many ways we continue our relationship with those we have lost.
A Māori-led production company committed to storytelling that uplifts people, communities, and kaupapa with dignity, care, and authenticity, creating space for connection, reflection, and the conversations that matter.
Executive Producer
Ngāti Kahungunu, Rakaipaaka
A producer, director, and founder of Jack Media, based in Rotorua. Death, Reimagined is deeply personal for Nicola, shaped by lived experience of grief and of supporting whānau through death and farewell. Her work meets people and kaupapa with care, dignity, and humanity.
Producer
Ngāti Kea Ngāti Tuara, Ngāti Whakaue, Rakaipaaka
A producer and project manager whose work centres community, connection, and meaningful storytelling. As Producer, Tia brings warmth and a strong focus on participant wellbeing, creating safe spaces for honest conversations around death, grief, and remembrance.
Series Host
Te Arawa, Kāi Tahu
One of Aotearoa’s most respected broadcasters and a trusted voice in Māori media. Grounded in tikanga and lived experience, Stacey gently guides audiences through deeply personal stories, helping people feel safe, seen, and understood.
Director
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa
A director and storyteller drawn to intimate, human-centred documentary. Kathleen holds the balance between vulnerability, dignity, and story, so whānau can share in their own way, and at their own pace.
Ngā pātai · Frequently asked questions
A few of the things people often ask us. If your question is not here, we would love to hear from you.
A six-part documentary series for Whakaata Māori, hosted by Stacey Morrison, exploring the many experiences and ways we leave this life: the practical, the spiritual, and the emotional. It is made by Jack Media, a Māori-led production company based in Rotorua.
Six areas, each its own kind of farewell: taking back control, tikanga and Māori perspectives, eco and alternative farewells, technology and modern mourning, cultural practices in Aotearoa, and grief and the aftermath. Together they open a door to talk about, and come to terms with, dying.
This beautiful resource is available from Te Atawhai Aroha — Compassionate Communities Rotorua. Visit their website taa.nz or email comcomrotorua@gmail.com.
Everyone. Death, Reimagined is grounded in te ao Māori and speaks to all of us, because death touches every whānau, every culture, and every generation.
The series is currently in production and will screen on Whakaata Māori and the Māori+ streaming platform. Screening dates will be shared here and across our channels closer to release.
We are currently looking for people to be part of this series. If you or someone you know is moving toward the end of life and would consider sharing this sacred journey with us, we would love to hear from you. There is no obligation at all, the first step is simply a gentle kōrero. Please email hello@jackmedia.co.nz.
With aroha, and always on your terms. Taking part is relationship-led and never rushed. You guide how your story is told, you can pause or stop at any time, and cultural, spiritual, and emotional support is held around you and your whānau throughout.
Yes, naturally. Stacey moves gently between te reo and English, participants are welcome to kōrero in whichever feels most comfortable, and te reo is subtitled so everyone can follow.
You are not alone. If you need support right now, please reach out to your doctor, your local hospice, or a grief support service. We are also always happy to help point you toward the right people. You can reach us any time at hello@jackmedia.co.nz.
For any kōrero, questions, or reflections, email us at hello@jackmedia.co.nz. Even a short message is welcome. Ngā mihi nui.
We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, questions or reflections on this journey.
Please get in touch even just for a short kōrero.
Ngā mihi nui
hello@jackmedia.co.nz