Nau mai, haere mai ki Kaupapa On The Couch, a webseries from The Spinoff about Māori issues and stuff, hosted by Leonie Hayden.

In Māori culture, the head is tapu so therefore hair holds a lot of mana. Our ancestors conveyed meaning and status with their hair, and dressed it with a beautiful array of oils and ornaments.

Best of all, they embraced the mighty mullet.

Written and presented by Leonie Hayden (Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Rango)

Directed by José Barbosa

Special thanks to Te Miri Rangi, Qiane Matata-Sipu and Tainui Stephens

Made with the help of NZ On Air.

We have tried where possible to identify ancestors and seek permission to use their image. If you have any concerns please contact leonie@thespinoff.co.nz

Watch more Kaupapa on the Couch videos here.