Takatāpui Talk

Donald Hollingsworh

Takatāpui Talk is a living collection of stories — a weaving together of voices from our community, shared with honesty, care, and deep respect.Each kōrero holds a life lived — through love, loss, identity, whānau, and resilience — offering insight into what it means to be takatāpui in Aotearoa, both then and now.This series is not about explanation or justification. It is about presence. It is about truth. It is about us, speaking for ourselves.Created within a space of trust and connection, these conversations are a taonga — for our people, for our whānau, and for those who seek to understand us more deeply.Takatāpui Talk is a reminder that we are not new, we are not invisible — we have always been here. These kōrero are about resilience, laughter, truth, and love.

Episodes

  1. 12h ago

    Glory Haronga Takatāpui Talk

    Send us Fan Mail 🌺 NEW EPISODE | TAKATĀPUI TALK 🌺 This week on Takatāpui Talk, we're honoured to welcome Glory Haronga, the reigning Miss Whakawahine 2025. Born and raised in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Glory shares her journey of growing up Whakawahine, finding strength in her identity, the importance of sisterhood, community, and what it means to represent her people with pride. We also explore the significance of the Miss Whakawahine pageant, preserving Indigenous Pacific identities, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated. These are the conversations that preserve our history and celebrate the richness of our communities—one story at a time. ✨ If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Comment and Share. Every share helps us archive and celebrate Takatāpui stories for future generations. 🎥 Watch more episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TakatapuiTalk 🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0f7P5M6L4IYgR1Qe2k5qgM 🎙️ Listen on Buzzsprout https://takatapuitalk.buzzsprout.com 📘 Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TakatapuiTalk 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/takatapuitalk 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@takatapuitalk Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Glory Haronga Takatāpui Talk
  2. Jul 26

    Amanduh La — Part Two

    Send us Fan Mail 🌈 Takatāpui Talk | Amanduh La – Part Two | The Power of Drag, Identity & Legacy In Part Two of my conversation with the incredible Amanduh La, we explore the deeper meaning of drag—not simply as performance, but as an art form that creates joy, confidence and connection. For audiences, drag can be an escape from everyday life. It invites us to laugh, celebrate, reflect and see the world through a different lens. Behind the glamour, costumes and humour are artists who dedicate countless hours to their craft, creating unforgettable experiences while often giving people permission to embrace their own authenticity. Amanduh also shares stories of chosen whānau, the takatāpui pioneers who paved the way, and the legacy she hopes to leave for future generations. Thank you for supporting Takatāpui Talk as we preserve and celebrate the stories of our community—one conversation at a time. 🎙️ Listen or watch on your favourite platform: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakatapuiTalk  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakatapuiTalk  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takatapuitalk  🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takatapuitalk  🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/search/Takat%C4%81pui%20Talk  🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://takatapuitalk.buzzsprout.com  🌐 Website: https://www.takatapuitalk.com Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Amanduh La — Part Two
  3. Jul 19

    Amanduh La — Part One

    Send us Fan Mail 🌈 From Tokoroa to Paris, Italy and New York Fashion Week… this is the extraordinary story of Amanduh La. Growing up in the Mormon faith, discovering her identity, travelling the world as a model, and ultimately embracing the uniqueness that would become her greatest strength—Amanduh's journey is one of courage, resilience and authenticity. This conversation moved me so much that, for the first time on Takatāpui Talk, we've released it as a two-part episode. Part One is a story of dreaming beyond the limits others place on us, and finding the courage to become exactly who we are. I hope you'll join us. 📅 Premieres this Sunday at 6:00 PM (NZT). 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakatapuiTalk 📘 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakatapuiTalk 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takatapuitalk 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takatapuitalk 🎧 Podcast: https://takatapuitalk.buzzsprout.com 🌐 Website: https://www.takatapuitalk.com If Amanduh's story resonates with you, please like, subscribe, comment and share. Every share helps preserve and celebrate the stories of our Takatāpui community for future generations. #TakatāpuiTalk #AmanduhLa #Takatāpui #Whakapapa #Māori #RainbowCommunity #LGBTQIA #QueerVoices #RepresentationMatters #Authenticity #EmbraceYourUniqueness #Podcast #Aotearoa #NewZealand #Storytelling #Pride #Resilience #OurStories #YouTubePremiere #PartOne Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Amanduh La — Part One
  4. Jul 12

    Jade Dayna Kanara Mills Takatāpui Talk

    Send us Fan Mail Jade Dayna Kanara Mills | Finding Sisterhood, Love & Identity | Takatāpui Talk Ep. 8 Today on Takatāpui Talk, I sit down with the wonderful Jade Dayna Kanara Mills—a proud Māori whakawāhine whose whakapapa connects her to Hokianga, Te Rarawa and Ngāti Tāmāra. Jade shares an extraordinary life story spanning decades. Growing up at a time when there was little understanding or language for young whakawāhine, she speaks openly about leaving home, finding community, surviving through sex work, and discovering the strength that comes from chosen whānau. This is also a beautiful love story. Jade reflects on the man she has loved for more than 30 years, the life they have built together, and the joy of creating a future that once seemed impossible. We also talk about the cultural work Jade has undertaken through Aha Ko Te Aha, the importance of preserving our stories, and what it means to grow older with gratitude, humour and purpose. Some parts of this conversation are frank. We discuss sex work, identity, belonging, and the realities faced by many whakawāhine of Jade's generation. These are Jade's lived experiences and personal reflections, shared generously and in her own words. Thank you, Jade, for trusting Takatāpui Talk with your story. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it. Every subscription helps us preserve and celebrate the voices of our Takatāpui community for future generations. 🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout: https://takatapuitalk.buzzsprout.com 🎵 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Takatāpui Talk:  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takatapuitalk  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takatapuitalk  🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takatapuitalk #TakatāpuiTalk #JadeDaynaKanaraMills #Takatāpui #Whakawāhine #Māori #RainbowCommunity #LGBTQIA #QueerHistory #OralHistory #Aotearoa #NewZealand #Community #Identity #Whānau #Love #Resilience #MāoriStories #Podcast #DonaldHollingsworth #AhaKoTeAha I think this is one of those episodes people will come back to. Jade has a way of telling her story that feels like you're sitting across the table with her, listening over a cup of tea. Those are often the conversations that stay with people long after they've finished watching. Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Jade Dayna Kanara Mills Takatāpui Talk
  5. Jul 5

    Steven Oats Takatāpui Talk

    Send us Fan Mail Steven Oates | Television, Radio, Pride & Community | Takatāpui Talk For decades, Steven Oates has been a familiar face and voice in Aotearoa's rainbow community. From his beginnings in radio and television to organising Pride events, fundraising, and creating Woof!, Steven has dedicated much of his life to ensuring LGBTQIA+ people could see themselves represented and celebrated. In this heartfelt conversation, Steven reflects on growing up gay in New Zealand, finding community, the importance of visibility, and the legacy we leave for future generations. These are the conversations that preserve our history—real people, real lives, and real stories. In this episode: • Growing up gay in Aotearoa • A career in radio and television • Creating Woof! • Pride and community leadership • Visibility and representation • The importance of preserving our stories • Reflections on love, resilience and legacy About Takatāpui Talk Hosted by Donald Hollingsworth, Takatāpui Talk is a long-form interview series preserving the voices, histories and lived experiences of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ people in Aotearoa New Zealand. These conversations create an archive for future generations—celebrating resilience, identity, culture and community. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Buzzsprout. 📱 Follow Takatāpui Talk: Facebook: https://facebook.com/takatapuitalk Instagram: https://instagram.com/takatapuitalk TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@takatapuitalk If Steven's story resonates with you, please like, subscribe and share this conversation so these important stories continue to reach more people. #TakatāpuiTalk #StevenOates #Takatāpui #LGBTQIA #RainbowCommunity #Pride #Woof #NewZealand #Māori #Podcast #QueerHistory #Storytelling #DonaldHollingsworth #OurStories #Aotearoa Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Steven Oats Takatāpui Talk
  6. Jun 7

    Takatāpui Talk Donald Hollingsworth our Host interviewed by Claudette Hauiti

    Send us Fan Mail For the first time on Takatāpui Talk, the host becomes the guest. In this deeply personal episode, award-winning journalist and broadcaster Claudette Hauiti turns the microphone on Donald Hollingsworth — internationally recognised hair and makeup artist, salon owner, and creator of Takatāpui Talk. Together they explore Donald's childhood in Rotorua, growing up Takatāpui, the unconditional love of his father and whānau, and the experiences that shaped a remarkable life and career. From dressing up in his aunties' clothes as a little boy, to opening his first salon in Sydney, working with international celebrities, navigating grief, loss, heartbreak, and ultimately returning home to create a space where our stories can be shared, this is a conversation about resilience, identity, and belonging. This episode is filled with laughter, tears, and the memories of the people who helped shape the man Donald is today. At its heart, this is a story about family, courage, and the power of living an authentic life. These are the conversations that remind us we have always been here, our stories matter, and our voices deserve to be heard. Ngā mihi nui to Claudette Hauiti for her generosity, friendship, and thoughtful interviewing. 🎙️ Takatāpui Talk Important Conversations • Our Voices • Our Stories #TakatapuiTalk #DonaldHollingsworth #ClaudetteHauiti #Takatāpui #MāoriStories #LGBTQNZ #QueerStories #Storytelling #HairdresserLife #Family #Grief #Resilience #OurStoriesMatter #Aotearoa Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Takatāpui Talk Donald Hollingsworth our Host interviewed by Claudette Hauiti
  7. May 31

    Takatāpui talk Claudette Hauiti

    Send us Fan Mail Claudette Hauiti — Media, Politics, Identity & Belonging In this episode of Takatāpui Talk, Donald Hollingsworth sits down with broadcaster, political journalist, media leader, sports enthusiast, and proud mother Claudette Hauiti. From her upbringing in Aotearoa to her years in the media spotlight and the halls of Parliament, Claudette shares a deeply personal journey of identity, courage, and finding her place in the world. Together, Donald and Claudette explore what it was like growing up as Takatāpui, the importance of remaining connected to whenua, whānau and te ao Māori, and the changing visibility of rainbow communities in Aotearoa. They reflect on the groundbreaking Māori Television series Takatāpui, discuss Claudette's experiences in the Press Gallery holding political leaders to account, and revisit the moments that shaped her understanding of who she was and who she could become. This is a conversation filled with humour, honesty, insight and reflection — a reminder that our stories matter, our voices matter, and that being seen can change lives. Topics include: • Growing up Takatāpui in Aotearoa • Whānau, identity and belonging • The impact of Māori Television's Takatāpui series • Women in sport and leadership • Journalism, politics and speaking truth to power • Visibility, representation and resilience Real conversations. Real voices. Our stories. Hosted by Donald Hollingsworth. Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth. If this kōrero resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps these stories reach more people across Aotearoa and beyond. Follow Takatāpui Talk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming interviews. Our conversations. Our stories. Our voices. Arohanui.

    Takatāpui talk Claudette Hauiti

About

Takatāpui Talk is a living collection of stories — a weaving together of voices from our community, shared with honesty, care, and deep respect.Each kōrero holds a life lived — through love, loss, identity, whānau, and resilience — offering insight into what it means to be takatāpui in Aotearoa, both then and now.This series is not about explanation or justification. It is about presence. It is about truth. It is about us, speaking for ourselves.Created within a space of trust and connection, these conversations are a taonga — for our people, for our whānau, and for those who seek to understand us more deeply.Takatāpui Talk is a reminder that we are not new, we are not invisible — we have always been here. These kōrero are about resilience, laughter, truth, and love.