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Dead Ahead: episode guide

Coming Home

Episode 1
June 30, 2025 (TVNZ+)
Written by Scotty Cotter
Directed by Scotty Cotter, Awanui Simich-Pene

The Wharekoa whānau arrive in Aotearoa and Nate quickly makes a new friend that leads him down an unknown path that sends his whānau into a frenzy.

Cast: Miriama Smith as Kiri Wharekoa, Xavier Horan as Matiu Wharekoa, Mia van Oyen as Amiria Wharekoa, Elijah Tamati as Nate Wharekoa, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Koro Joe, Pana Hema Taylor as Uncle Bull, Nicola Kawana as Aunty Huia, Matariki Whatarau as John Boy, Moana Ete as Bubba Girl

Who is John Boy

Episode 2
June 30, 2025
Written by Scotty Cotter
Directed by Scotty Cotter, Awanui Simich-Pene

Tensions are high in the Wharekoa whare as Amiria is determined to prove she’s not lying, but her journey of discovery leads her and the whānau to an emotional reunion.

Cast: Miriama Smith as Kiri Wharekoa, Xavier Horan as Matiu Wharekoa, Mia van Oyen as Amiria Wharekoa, Elijah Tamati as Nate Wharekoa, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Koro Joe, Pana Hema Taylor as Uncle Bull, Nicola Kawana as Aunty Huia, Matariki Whatarau as John Boy, Blair Strang as Tipene

You're Going to Kura

Episode 3
June 30, 2025
Written by Scotty Cotter
Directed by Scotty Cotter, Awanui Simich-Pene

Amiria and Nate start Kura and much to their surprise so does Dad, while Kiri has a run-in with a journalist that makes her nervous.

Cast: Miriama Smith as Kiri Wharekoa, Xavier Horan as Matiu Wharekoa, Mia van Oyen as Amiria Wharekoa, Elijah Tamati as Nate Wharekoa, Kura Forrester as Meremereana, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Koro Joe, Matariki Whatarau as John Boy, Scott Cotter as Matua Kare, Pehia King as Whaea Trumpet, Mihi Te Rauhi Daniels as Felicity, Naatana Mika as Tyson, Marcia Hopa as Whaea Koka

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer

Episode 4
June 30, 2025
Written by Scotty Cotter, Nicole Horan
Directed by Scotty Cotter, Awanui Simich-Pene

As the kids head off on a Kura haerenga, Kiri is led to tell Meremereana the truth, while Matiu brings home some unexpected whānau that floors Kiri.

Cast: Miriama Smith as Kiri Wharekoa, Xavier Horan as Matiu Wharekoa, Mia van Oyen as Amiria Wharekoa, Elijah Tamati as Nate Wharekoa, Kura Forrester as Meremereana, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Koro Joe, Pana Hema Taylor as Uncle Bull, Nicola Kawana as Aunty Huia, Matariki Whatarau as John Boy, Scott Cotter as Matua Kare, Pehia King as Whaea Trumpet, Mihi Te Rauhi Daniels as Felicity, Naatana Mika as Tyson

Ki koe e Moko

Episode 5
June 30, 2025
Written by Scotty Cotter, Nicole Horan
Directed by Scotty Cotter, Awanui Simich-Pene

In this flashback episode the whānau celebrate Nan’s 70th Birthday. Kiri must make one last sacrifice, but it is John Boy whose fate is decided.

Cast: Miriama Smith as Kiri Wharekoa, Xavier Horan as Matiu Wharekoa, Tanea Heke as Nan, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Koro Joe, Pana Hema Taylor as Uncle Bull, Nicola Kawana as Aunty Huia, Matariki Whatarau as John Boy, Blair Strang as Tipene, Florence Mokaraka as Young Amiria

Kua Kehi…

Episode 6
June 30, 2025
Written by Scotty Cotter, Nicole Horan
Directed by Scotty Cotter, Awanui Simich-Pene

Kiri thinks she has it all figured out, not realising life as she knows it, is crumbling around her.

Cast: Miriama Smith as Kiri Wharekoa, Xavier Horan as Matiu Wharekoa, Mia van Oyen as Amiria Wharekoa, Elijah Tamati as Nate Wharekoa, Kura Forrester as Meremereana, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Koro Joe, Nicola Kawana as Aunty Huia, Matariki Whatarau as John Boy, Blair Strang as Tipene, Tanea Heke as Nan, Ngahuia Kopa as Toa, Te Poho o Hinekahukura as Ope Taua