Tangata Pai

What’s it about?

This bilingual New Zealand drama follows the points of view of five complex characters as their lives intertwine amidst a land occupation protest and looming bomb threat. As the story unfolds, characters are confronted by injustice, family grief, and identity.

The facts

• Directed by Kiel McNaughton (Waru, Vai) 
• Starring Ariana Osborne (Mārama), Nicola Kawana (Dead Ahead), Jayden Daniels (Evil Dead Rise), Yoson An (Mulan) and Shavaughn Ruakere (Shortland Street)
• Te Reo Māori and English Language
• Runtime: 8 episodes approximately 45 minutes in duration

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

The following information breaks down the series’ rating and content warnings. It does not mention any character names or delve into plot points. If necessary, we occasionally include minor spoilers to help keep audiences informed about what they are watching.

Suicide

In a drawn-out scene a character stands at the top of a bridge and attempts suicide. Another character prevents them from jumping.

Violence

The threat of a terror attack is a focal point of the series. Violence is infrequent but includes bloody injuries, gun violence, characters fighting, and a bomb explosion. The strongest scenes include:

• A bomb explodes in a crowded area. There are some deaths, mass injuries, and unconscious and bloodied bodies.
• A character’s toe gets cut off. Although the accident is not shown on screen, you do see the character’s severed foot and their detached toe stored in a container.
• A flashback shows a character get beaten. The same character subsequently suffers a panic attack in the show’s present timeline.
• Someone is shot, resulting in a bloody wound and a character falling to the ground.

Offensive language

Frequent offensive language including “f***ing, f**k, s**t, bulls**t” is used both casually and for intensity.

Drug use 

One scene shows characters inhale nitrous oxide (nangs).

Helplines:

Depictions of suicide and terror attacks could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Tangata Pai is an ambitious drama that excels beyond its heavy-handedness- The Spinoff