The Rangatahi of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō Recognised on Aotearoa’s Biggest Media Stage

"She (Indira Stewart) gave us a platform to embrace our hīkoi, and the hīkoi of other tamariki like us." - Tayshon

Tayshon, Indira, Juliann and Corrina on stage at the 2025 Voyager Media Awards.

At the 2025 Voyager Media Awards, Indira Stewart won Best Current Affairs (Short) for the In Depth TVNZ documentary, "Children of Prisoners." The piece that told the story of the rangatahi from Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō and amplified the lived realities of tamariki impacted by having a parent in prison.

But she graciously chose not to stand in the spotlight alone.

Instead, she invited the rangatahi, Tayshon and Juliann, who courageously shared their stories to join her on stage and accept the award on her behalf.

Juliann thanking her friends and family.

A space filled with Aotearoa’s storytellers and changemakers, the people who dedicate their lives to illuminating stories that matter. And in the middle of it all stood the rangatahi, courageously carrying the voices of their community, their lived experiences, and their dreams for a better future.

There, on stage, in front of the nation's media leaders, they spoke with strength and unwavering authenticity.

Tayshon sharing the impact of this platform.

"She (Indira Stewart) gave us a platform to embrace our hīkoi, and the hīkoi of other tamariki like us." - Tayshon, Youth Advisory Panelist

"Thank you for amplifying the voices of tamariki impacted by parental incarceration. And thank you for honouring the voices of our community." - Corrina, kaitiaki of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō

To see them share their stories and be met with universal support from journalists, editors, and leaders from across the country was beyond words.

“It was humbling to be at this event to acknowledge so many talented media. The icing on the cake was seeing Indira Stewart, along with the Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou rangatahi receive the Best Current Affairs Award for the Children of Prisoners story.” — Tuhi Leef, CEO / Tumu Whakarae

Tuhi, Indira, Tayshon, Juliann and Corrina.

Indira’s story shines a light on the courageous efforts of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) who are working to revise and champion The Bill of Rights for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration.

To Indira Stewart, ngā mihi nui ki a koe. Thank you for sharing their stories with aroha me pono (love and integrity). Your commitment amplifies the voices of rangatahi, ensuring they are felt across the nation.

And to the rangatahi, our leaders for tomorrow. Thank you for standing in your truth, for sharing the voices of those who came before you, and for lighting the way for those who come next.