Hi Mama Productions
In the rapidly expanding market of film and television production, quality programming is a valuable commodity and Hi Mama is in high demand due to their expertise, ethos and creativity. Hi Mama was established in 2016 by director Nicole Horan who saw a lack of support within the entertainment industry for working families and a shortage of commitment to gender and indigenous equality.
Hi Mama Productions is a family orientated business where nurturing tikanga Māori, whānau and capacity building is paramount. The demonstrated expertise and entrepreneurial temperament of Hi Mama Productions provides an attractive opportunity for funders and networks to profit from a truly innovative, emerging company that has tremendous potential.
At Hi Mama Te Ao Maōri concepts of manaakitanga, kotahitanga, collaboration, whānau, tuakana/teina, are the guiding principles.
Our Team
Nicole Horan
Ngāti Maniapoto
Managing Director / Director / Producer
Nicole is the founder and managing director of Hi Mama Productions who leads the companies Development, Production and Post Production in conjunction with the wider team.
She is committed to capacity building the Māori production industry and has been at the forefront of Māori programming for over a decade. An advocate for diversity, New Zealand stories and Te Reo Māori me ngā tikanga for all audiences. Nicole has been responsible for Te Reo Māori inclusion in some of New Zealandʼs most watched shows.
marara@himama.tv
Marara Katipa
Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngāti Hine
Director / Story Producer
Marara is a content creative all rounder with a keen eye and focus on Story Producing and leads Hi Mama's story telling in the field.
She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from working on a range of different kaupapa Māori shows, and understands the importance of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori being represented in all facets of the industry.
Marara is passionate about delivering entertaining, genuine and evocative content.
roimata@himama.tv
Roimata Katipa
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine,
Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki
Story Producer
Roimata has developed a broad range of skills across the production process, with experience spanning directing, production management, and cast coordination.
She enjoys telling stories that celebrate the diversity, resilience, and richness of Māori communities, while bringing authentic voices and perspectives to the screen.
Allie Howell
Waitaha
Story Editor
Allie joined Hi Mama in 2022 after working in Ōtautahi and Te Whanganui a Tara as a video editor. Since joining Hi Mama Allie has successfully edited Speak No Māori (TVNZ1) and Waka to Worlds (Whakaata Māori) and will be once again be given the opportunity to further build her capacity on Haututū Hunters.
Giselle Ilaoa
Alafua, Sāmoa | Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua
Junior Director
Giselle is passionate about Māori & Pasifika storytelling and has gained experience working in production, assistant directing and art departments in the industry. She joined Hi Mama as a Production Assistant, where she engages in capacity building initiatives and contributes to the development of proud local Māori stories.
Our Partners
Awards
