"R?rangi" is a New Zealand television show that follows the life of Caramel (Kōtiro) Myers, a transgender woman who returns to her small hometown after living in Sydney for several years. The show explores themes of identity, family, acceptance, and love through the lens of Caramel's journey.
As the show begins, we see Caramel living her life in Sydney as a successful businesswoman, with a loving partner and a close group of friends who accept her for who she is. However, her world is turned upside down when she receives a call from her estranged father, asking her to return to her hometown of Waimarama to help him run his struggling fishing business.
Faced with the daunting task of returning to a town where she was never fully accepted, Caramel must confront her past and find a way to reconcile with her family and community. She initially struggles to fit in, facing hostility and discrimination from some of the locals who see her as an outsider. However, over time, she begins to form deep friendships and connections with the people of the town.
Throughout the series, we see Caramel confront many challenges as she attempts to navigate her new life in Waimarama. She must deal with the fallout of her past relationships, including a former friend who betrayed her trust and a former romantic partner who still holds a torch for her. She is also faced with a health crisis that threatens to derail her entire life.
Despite these challenges, Caramel remains determined to build a life for herself in Waimarama. She forms a close bond with her father, who comes to accept her for who she is, and begins to reconnect with her culture and heritage. She also becomes a role model for other queer and transgender youth in the town, offering them support and guidance as they navigate their own struggles.
One of the standout features of "R?rangi" is its attention to detail when it comes to the culture and traditions of New Zealand's M?ori people. The show includes many scenes that highlight M?ori practices, such as powhiri (welcome ceremonies) and karakia (prayers), and explores the impact of colonization on M?ori communities. This is particularly significant given that the show's creator, writer, and director all have M?ori heritage themselves.
Overall, "R?rangi" is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking show that explores important themes of identity, family, and acceptance. It offers a unique perspective on the experiences of transgender and queer people, particularly those living in rural areas, while also shedding light on the cultural heritage of New Zealand's indigenous peoples.
Rūrangi is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between July 26, 2020 and on
