Historic Whale Rider Returns to the Big Screen in Napier 

Napier’s Century Theatre will host a one-night-only screening of the iconic New Zealand film Whale Rider on Tuesday 11 November, bringing together culture, community and compassion in support of Āhuru Mōwai Napier, the city’s emergency night shelter for whānau pounamu.

More than twenty years after its release, Whale Rider continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Filmed in Whāngārā on the East Coast, the story of young Paikea and her struggle to be recognised as a leader within her iwi remains one of Aotearoa’s most powerful tales of identity and resilience.

The fundraiser offers a chance to revisit this beloved film while supporting those working on the front line of homelessness in Napier.

The event is a collaboration between MTG Hawke’s Bay, Screen Hawke’s Bay, and the Napier Ahuriri Homeless Shelter Society.

Opened in July, Āhuru Mōwai — meaning “a warm, calm haven” — provides overnight shelter for up to eight tāne at a time. The initiative was born after the tragic loss of two unhoused community members last year. In its first ten weeks, two residents have moved into permanent housing and two more are preparing to do the same. Many others, like Carl (44) and Curtis (42), have begun rebuilding their lives through counselling, health support and the Hua Oranga programme

“Our goal was simple — to stop people dying on our streets and start helping them live again,” says community advocate ‘Poppa’ Pete Findlay, who helped establish the charitable society behind the shelter. “Every ticket sold for Whale Rider helps us keep the lights on and the doors open through next winter.”

Tickets are $40 and available through mtghawkesbay.com under “What’s On.” All proceeds will go directly to the shelter’s operations.

The evening promises a chance to celebrate storytelling, whakapapa and aroha while helping those most in need.

Event details  Whale Rider Fundraiser
Tuesday, 11 November,  7 pm
Century Theatre, MTG Hawke’s Bay
Tickets $40 – mtghawkesbay.com