Fredrick Pokai
Writing
Known For

At the end of the 18th century, hundreds of Indian sailors, known as lascars, worked amongst European settlers in Aotearoa New Zealand - often under the gruesome working conditions of seal hunting gangs. The story follows a lascar, Dasa, who has been abandoned on the coast of Aotearoa NZ by the East India Company, alongside his sealing gang. When Dasa finds himself in the middle of a conflict between his abusive British superior and two Māori traders, he is faced with a choice: bend the knee or take a stand.
The Lascar

When their small country school faces closure, country kids use whatever means necessary to save it while their older siblings do the same to keep their sacred lands during the historic NZ Aotearoa land protests of 1978.
1978

Dive is a coming-of-age drama that follows a young competitive swimmer named Paula, who is trained by her father Troy. Despite her dedication and hard work, Paula's results don't meet her father's high standards. Meanwhile, Troy struggles with financial problems and the possibility of losing their home. As the national swimming competition approaches, tensions rise between father and daughter, and Paula begins to question her passion for the sport. The story explores the complex relationship between a father and daughter and the pressures of chasing success.
Dive
After being released into the care of his younger brother, Fable discovers an old tide chart and embarks on a journey to find inner peace by embracing his past.
Search for Hawaiki
Bringing Mere Home" is a story set in a small New Zealand community during the 1980s. The protagonist, Billy (played by Frederick Pokai), is driving home from one of his regular Sunday pub sessions when he comes across a mysterious young girl named Mere (played by Isis Bradley-Kiwi), stranded on the side of the road. Sensing that something is amiss, Billy stops to offer Mere a ride home. Little does he know that his decision to help her will lead to a dramatic turn of events in his life.