Scotty Morrison, 52, is widely regarded as one of the leading advocates of te reo Maori in Aotearoa, S presenting the news for Radio Waatea, Te Karere and Marae in our native language and, alongside his wife Stacey, 50, authoring a raft of popular Māori books.
But while recently filming the second season of Origins, the media stalwart reveals he was astounded to discover new knowledge about his ancestors he'd never before considered. Sitting down with the Weekly, Scotty talks about the highly emotional series, his own learning pathway and his passion for sharing the language with his children, wife and the rest of the country.
Tell us about filming the second series of Origins.
We're tracking the kūmara and how it came to be a staple crop in Aotearoa and a reference point in our development as tāngata whenua [indigenous people]. It takes us to very interesting places like the Marquesas Islands [in French Polynesia]. I've never heard anyone talking about how we connect with them before. It's a really emotional journey.
Can you expand more on how that felt?
Being in places where my ancestors have been and walking in their footsteps is highly emotional. It's also realising how connected we are. In the Marquesas Islands, one of their tattoo experts recited his whakapapa [genealogy] with the same names and same line as ours. We share tūpuna [ancestors]. A similar thing also happened in Hawaii.
Denne historien er fra september 11, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra september 11, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK