“They Came To Kill Me” - Tāme Iti on Forgiveness, Activism & Finding Peace

On this episode, Tame Iti. One of Aotearoa’s most iconic and misunderstood figures.

You probably have an opinion of Tame Iti and think you know who he is. This long form conversation will either change your mind or reinforce what you already believe to be true, and either of those outcomes are fine.

Over seven decades, Tame has been called many things: activist, radical, artist, terrorist, troublemaker… and now, national treasure.

Some of the stuff we cover in this conversation includes:

What really happened the morning the Armed Offenders Squad stormed his home and accused him of being a terrorist, and how he’s made peace with it.

Reflections on serving time in Waikeria prison, confronting anger, and finding growth behind bars.

Meeting Nelson Mandela, shooting the flag, being nominated for New Zealander of the Year, appearing on Celebrity Treasure Island, going viral on TikTok and lots more.

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Chapters

00:00 – The evolution of Tame Iti: from “villain” to national treasure 05:00 – Art as activism — the meaning behind the flag-shooting incident 12:00 – Childhood memories in Ruatoki and being raised by grandparents 20:00 – Being left in a nail box and growing up between two families 26:00 – Punished for speaking te reo — and how it shaped his resistance 33:00 – Wrestling champion turned activist 41:00 – The Māori Tent Embassy and land marches 52:00 – The story behind his moko and its cultural resurgence 1:04:00 – The 2007 Urewera raids and being labelled a terrorist 1:17:00 – Life in Waikeria Prison — anger, growth, and perspective 1:25:00 – Meeting Nelson Mandela and the global struggle for justice 1:31:00 – Cycling, veganism, and giving up smoking 1:34:00 – Planning for the future — and even for death 1:41:00 – Regrets, legacy, and the art of letting go 1:49:00 – Final words: “Smile. Be good. Be kind.”