Unfiltered With Dave Letele

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with Mike McRoberts — one of New Zealand’s most respected journalists — for a powerful and deeply reflective kōrero. From reporting in war zones and natural disasters around the world, to battling imposter syndrome and navigating identity, Mike opens up about what it really takes to stand in the middle of chaos and keep showing up.They dive into trauma, balance, the cost of chasing purpose, learning te reo later in life, and the quiet rebuilding that happens when the cameras are off. This isn’t just a conversation about journalism — it’s about belonging, resilience, and finding clarity after the storm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with Konrad — former Tall Black — for one of the wildest and most confronting stories ever told on Unfiltered. From elite basketball, to a life that includes Federal US prisons, addiction, and moments that feel straight out of a movie.This kōrero goes deep into identity, following the wrong crowd, losing your way, and what it really looks like to rebuild your life from the ground floor up. Raw, uncomfortable, and incredibly human — this is a story for anyone who’s ever had to start again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SEASON 2 IS HERE 🔥Kicking off with the man who started it all, Manu Vatuvei, was our very first Unfiltered guest — the episode that helped launch this whole podcast. One year on... Manu returns to reflect on 2025, his NRL career and the moments that defined him at the Warriors, and what it means to him to be giving back now. A full-circle kōrero about legacy, brotherhood, and life after footy. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Dave sits down with Loretta Hogg — elite performance coach — for a powerful kōrero on sport, discipline, and building a body that lasts. From getting lost after school to working with top athletes and learning under All Blacks coaches, Loretta opens up about injuries, burnout, women’s health, and why strength training is essential — especially as we get older. An honest, practical conversation about longevity, mindset, and doing the basics really well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Dave sits down with Julia — a proud Pasifika woman who built a global tech career in her mid-20s across Sydney, UK & USA at firms like HP, before coming home to help her community navigate A.I and adapt the changing world with Fibre Fale. Julia breaks down the confronting research that 60% of Auckland’s Pasifika workforce is at risk of being replaced by automation and technology — and what we can do about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave sits down with Myles for a raw kōrero about growing up around addiction, getting pulled into the wrong crowd in Australia, and coming back to Aotearoa to start again. He opens up about his prison time, rebuilding from nothing, and how fatherhood pushed him to turn his life around — building a better future for himself and his whānau every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with Johnnie Timu, founder of Brown Pride, for an honest kōrero about struggle, purpose, and community. From growing up in Rewa to losing his dad at 19, Johnnie shares the moment that changed everything — when an idea on a whiteboard with his mates became the start of Brown Pride. A grounded story of resilience and purpose, and what it really means to lead with heart. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with Paige — the platinum-selling, award-winning singer-songwriter from Auckland — for a heartfelt kōrero about purpose, healing, and chasing the dream. From growing up in a close whānau in Clarks Beach to finding her voice through music, Paige opens up about navigating self-doubt, forgiveness, and growth — both as an artist and as a person. Together they talk faith, consistency, and the power of manifestation — and how a shout-out from Billie Eilish helped turn a small-town dream into a global reality. A warm, uplifting conversation about resilience, creativity, and staying true to your why.Massive shoutout to Paige for coming onto the podcast. Follow her here:https://www.instagram.com/paigesspacehttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2hscsIIlxYGIUYsfarFCG7Let us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!Support Unfiltered and get access to exclusive content: https://patreon.com/UnfilteredwithDaveLeteleThis episode was proudly brought to you by Trust Motors "How car buying should be": https://www.trustmotors.co.nz#unfilteredwithdaveletele #lisaperesecullen #daveletele #fanaticals​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Lisa Perese-Cullen — proud mum, wife, and creator — for a powerful kōrero on breaking cycles and finding her purpose. From a childhood full of resilience to becoming TikTok’s Creator of the Year, Lisa shares how she built a life grounded in gratitude, humour, and love.Massive shoutout to Lisa for coming onto the podcast. Follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/lisaperesecullenLet us know what you thought of the conversation in the comments!Support Unfiltered and get access to exclusive content: https://patreon.com/UnfilteredwithDaveLeteleThis episode was proudly brought to you by Trust Motors "How car buying should be": https://www.trustmotors.co.nz#unfilteredwithdaveletele #lisaperesecullen #daveletele #fanaticals​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Savele Refiti — better known as Fitz, @Fitz275, the Mayor of Māngere and founder of Two Seven Five. Fitz opens up about his life story: being adopted and reconnecting with his birth mother, growing up in Māngere, becoming a teen parent, and building a brand that represents pride and positive change.They dive into his health battles, including losing a kidney transplant while starting his business, the mental toll of entrepreneurship, and the role of faith and family in keeping him grounded. Fitz also shares the Two Seven Five story — from selling masks during lockdown to opening a community barbershop and clothing store, creating a space for connection, and stepping up during the Auckland floods when leadership failed.A raw and inspiring kōrero about resilience, business, brotherhood, and why giving back will always matter more than money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Dave sits down with Dr Ryan Paul — leading diabetes specialist, researcher, and co-chair of New Zealand’s National Diabetes Network — for an eye-opening kōrero about the silent epidemic sweeping Aotearoa. They dive deep into why type 2 diabetes and obesity are skyrocketing, why 10% of Māori and Pacific whānau are living with diabetes, and the shocking reality that New Zealand spent $2.62 billion on diabetes last year — yet less than 2% went to prevention or care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with renowned journalist and storyteller Miriama Kamo for a powerful kōrero on identity, belonging, and courage. Miriama opens up about facing racism growing up in Christchurch, navigating decades in broadcasting, and why — after years of staying apolitical as a journalist — she chose to stand up and take part in the recent hīkoi. A raw and honest conversation about whakapapa, resilience, and finding strength through life’s challenges. Enjoy.Massive shoutout to Miriama for coming on the podcast. Follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/miriamakamoSupport Unfiltered and get access to exclusive content: https://patreon.com/UnfilteredwithDaveLeteleThis episode was proudly brought to you by Trust Motors "How car buying should be": https://www.trustmotors.co.nzFollow us on socials to keep up with new episodes: https://linktr.ee/UnfilteredwithDaveThis podcast was proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals: https://www.fanaticals.co.nz#unfilteredwithdaveletele #miriamakamo #daveletele #fanaticals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with Eru Kapa-Kingi — the next generation of proud Māori activists and a leading voice behind the recent Hīkoi — for a powerful kōrero on leadership, legacy, and building a future where everyone thrives. From growing up disconnected from te ao Māori to reclaiming his whakapapa and leading the Toitū Te Tiriti movement, Eru shares the lessons of his tupuna, the truth about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and why collective wellbeing must come before ego.Massive shoutout to Eru for coming onto the podcast. Follow him here: https://www.instagram.com/erukapakingiSupport Unfiltered and get access to exclusive content: https://patreon.com/UnfilteredwithDaveLeteleFollow us on socials to keep up with new episodes: https://linktr.ee/UnfilteredwithDaveThis podcast was proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals: https://www.fanaticals.co.nz#unfilteredwithdaveletele #erukapakingi #toitūtetiriti #daveletele #fanaticals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with Chlöe Swarbrick — Co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand — for a raw and unfiltered kōrero that goes far beyond politics. Chlöe opens up about growing up across dozens of rental homes, battling depression as a teenager, and finding belonging and purpose in a world that often feels broken.They dive into youth mental health, connection, justice, and why she believes Aotearoa can — and must — do better for its people. A powerful conversation about empathy, second chances, and building a future where no one is left behind. Enjoy.Massive shoutout to Chlöe for coming onto the podcast. Follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/chloeswarbrickSupport Unfiltered and get access to exclusive content: https://patreon.com/UnfilteredwithDaveLeteleFollow us on socials to keep up with new episodes: https://linktr.ee/UnfilteredwithDaveThis podcast was proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals: https://www.fanaticals.co.nz#unfilteredwithdaveletele #chloeswarbrick #nzgreenparty #daveletele #fanaticals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Dave sits down with George — Co-Founder of Trust Motors — for a powerful kōrero on faith, family, and building a business with heart. George shares the moment everything changed, the promise he made to give back, and how love and hard work turned six cars in a dusty warehouse into Aotearoa’s most trusted dealership. A story of purpose, second chances, and staying true to your word. Enjoy.Massive shoutout to George for coming onto the podcast. Follow them here: https://www.instagram.com/trustmotorsnzSupport Unfiltered and get access to exclusive content: https://patreon.com/UnfilteredwithDaveLeteleFollow us on socials to keep up with new episodes: https://linktr.ee/UnfilteredwithDaveThis podcast was proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals: https://www.fanaticals.co.nz#TrustMotors #DaveLetele #UnfilteredWithDaveLetele Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.