Staunch follows the politicisation of Ariana (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, who made a memorable debut as teenager Grace Heke in Once Were Warriors). Ariana is in trouble with the law. Aided by a sympathetic social worker (Tamati Patuwai) the young Māori woman defends herself against assault charges after a police raid on her home. Inspired by a true story, the TV play was written by ...