The Barber Shop

Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance) | Produced by Tai Huri Films for TAHI

The Barber Shop is a six-part video documentary series providing a platform for rangatahi to share their stories.

The series takes place in a barbershop up north, where six young men from across the region speak their mind about relationships, sexuality, and addiction. 

In the eyes of the barbering crew, Denny, better known as “Chop,” has been crowned “King of the North.” He is the 
owner of The Chop Shop in Kerikeri, New Zealand.  Chop is inadvertently a pou (pillar) for young people in the community.

While sitting in Chop's chair, these young men share their stories of injustice, bias and expectation with him.  Their 
kōrero flows as Chop listens to their unscripted tales. 

Openness allows us to see the complexity of our young people’s lives in the ever-changing world they face.

The Chop Shop is a place where rangatahi are free to talk openly and where nothing is off the table.  It’s a legendary hangout and a safe place for locals to sit down, kōrero, and get a haircut. 

The Barber Shop series offers a glimpse into the worlds of six aspirational young men from Te Tai Tokerau. This is 
youth culture in regional Aotearoa.