That was over a decade ago, and since then, the Māoriland Charitable Trust has grown into a huge creative force committed to creating social, cultural, and economic opportunities for rangatahi. The success of its annual Māoriland Film Festival, NZ’s premier international Indigenous Film Festival, has enabled the Trust to continue to grow its activities. 

The M.A.T.C.H programme has evolved from the strength of the trust. Supported by Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, M.A.T.C.H offers training, mentorship, industry led opportunities and a pathway for rangatahi into high-value careers as the producers, developers and thought-leaders of the future. 

“Our vision is to really transform our creative industries, both for us as indigenous people, as Māori people, but also for our young people so that they can live full connected and thriving lives,” explains Maddy. Through its intensive programs and paid internships, M.A.T.C.H provides young people with the skills and support they need to step into creative tech industries. 

“You can see the impact it’s having on our town and especially the rangatahi of our community. There are kids who were 12 years old when the festival first started, and are now in their early twenties and film makers in their own right,” Maddy proudly reports. 

“We really appreciate working with Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation. They are our partners. They have trusted us to get our work done and supported us along the way so that we can be flexible, responsive and develop this program to what it is today,” she adds.