Poi E: The Story of Our Song

Poi E, a simple song with a catchy beat released 32 years ago, has become New Zealand’s unofficial national anthem.

With humour, energy and emotion, the movie Poi E is the story of how that iconic song gave pride to generations of New Zealanders.

Director Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) captures a unique story that taps into the heart of the nation, from Taika Waititi giving Stan Walker his quirky take on life in the 1980s to Patea Maori Club members’ straight-talking and funny memories of the song’s visionary originator Dalvanius Prime. 

Poi E takes the audience on a laugh-and-cry emotional journey as it lays out the hard-scrabble context from which the song was born and the relationships which shaped the song and propelled it forward.

Poi E officially premieres on the opening night of the NZIFF on the 14th July at 7.15pm and then airs on July 23rd and 24th at 6pm.

Aeroplane was thrilled to license all music in this film that is poised to be the kiwi feel-good movie of the year.

Says music supervisor Jan Hellriegel, "Working with the creators of Poi E was a real thrill. Tearepa Kahi chose some wonderful music of that era and it was fascinating finding out more about some of our great songwriters such as Ngoi Pēwhairangi, Napi Waaka plus Ali Morgan and the world class funk band Collision."

The project was 2 years in the making and required some serious detective work to track down writers and license the great range of music featured in the film. Tearepa Kahi has told a wonderful story of NZ's musical history for people to enjoy now and in the future.