Unfiltered With Dave Letele

#42 Roimata Smail

This week, Dave sits down with Roimata Smail — Māori lawyer and author — to unpack Te Tiriti o Waitangi in simple, real terms. From what we’re taught in school, to what actually happened — she breaks down the foundations of Aotearoa, the loss of Māori land, and why it still impacts us today.They also dive into the current state of the country, the backlash we’re seeing, and why education — not division — is the path forward. A powerful, honest kōrero about truth, history, and building a better future together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#41 Brendon Pongia

This week, Dave sits down with former Tall Black and broadcaster Brendon Pongia for a powerful kōrero about identity, resilience, and purpose. From growing up in Greymouth without knowing his father, to representing New Zealand and later helping raise millions for Cure Kids — Brendon shares the moments that shaped him. He also opens up about reconnecting with his Māori roots, the loss of his brother Quentin Pongia, and why giving back has become his life’s mission. A powerful conversation about grief, gratitude, and using your influence to uplift others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#40 Māori Millionaire (Te Kahukura Boynton)

This week, Dave sits down with Te Kahukura Boynton — AKA Māori Millionaire — for an incredibly raw kōrero about rock bottom, financial freedom, and rebuilding your life.Te Kahukura opens up about battling depression and addiction, feeling like she was never good enough, and the moment she decided to give life one last shot. From starting with nothing to building Māori Millionaire — now a book, podcast, and growing community of people learning about money, healing, and self-belief. Her story is about turning pain into purpose and becoming the light for others.Massive shoutout to Te Kahukura for coming onto the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/maorimillionaire_Special thanks to Pacific Business Trust for the support on this episode. Check them out here and register your business to get support: https://pacificbusiness.co.nzLet us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#39 Aaron Hendry

This week, Dave sits down with Aaron Hendry — youth worker and the force behind Kick Back — who has spent years standing alongside young people experiencing homelessness in Aotearoa. From running Front Door on K Road to supporting rangatahi with nowhere safe to go, Aaron has seen firsthand how easily young people fall through the cracks of our system.With the government now pushing these cruel "Move On" orders that target our most vulnerable people — Aaron explains why forcing people to move along won’t solve homelessness, and why compassion and community-led solutions are what actually change lives.A confronting and deeply human kōrero about youth homelessness, dignity, and what it means to stand up for those society too often ignores. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#38 Uncletics

This week, Dave sits down with Leighton Clarke — better known as Uncletics — for a raw and honest kōrero about owning who you are. From growing up in the King Country and navigating school with tourettes, to building a powerful online community without toning himself down for anyone — Leighton shares what it’s taken to fully back himself.They talk about stigma, being accused of faking it, online backlash, and why trying to please everyone is a losing game. Leighton doesn’t shrink himself to make others comfortable — and that’s exactly why so many people connect with him.It’s funny, confronting, heartfelt, and real. Strap in fam 🔥 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.