Queens of Panguru


Queens of Panguru is a New Zealand reality television mini series that airs on Māori Television. The show focused on the personal lives of three cousins Jay Tewake, Ramon Te Wake and Maihi Makiha. They are from the LGBT community in Auckland, but they returned home to their small town of Panguru. Its premise originated with Mika X, who also served as an executive producer. The series debuted on March 22, 2017, with only five episodes in the series. All three drag queens are related through notable tribe leader Heremia Te Wake, who was the father of respected kuia, Dame Whina Cooper.

The Queens

Jay Tewake

Jay Tewake is a New Zealand Māori actor, musician, model, film producer, entertainment manager and choreographer. He was well known at the time for his work with Mika Haka, Health TV series Ka TV & Ka Life and his performance at Mika's Aroha Mardi Gras in 2011.

Ramon Te wake

Ramon Te Wake is a New Zealand trans woman documentarian, singer-songwriter and television presenter. She is well known for her work in music with the release of her two albums The Arrival and Movement is Essential. She has appeared in multiple short films and television series including AROHA – K' Road Stories and Takataapui.

Maihi Makiha

Maihi Makiha is a well known New Zealand drag queen. They are also well known for their work at the New Zealand Aids Foundation as a Community Engagement Coordinator. They also performed at RWC Mika Aroha Mardi Gras in 2011 and has a regular spot on TV on the TVNZ show Whanau Living.

Episodes