Aotearoa is having a dating conversation.
No matter where we come from, how we identify ourselves and what we’re into, the desire to find connection is universal.
Dating is loaded with anxiety, excitement, rejection, fulfilment, growth, trauma and humanity.
Simply put d8talk is people talking about dating.
In 2025 d8talk had two phases: Tapes and Diaries.
Phase One - Tapes
Tapes features clips from 38 interviews in which rangatahi aged 18-24 shared their experiences with wins and losses - both hilarious and embarrassing - the lessons learned and any advice they can offer to other humans.
The interviews are from a studio shoot in November 2024. Our small, friendly team spoke with individuals and couples in a private and comfortable setting, supporting each of them to share their stories for about an hour. They received mental health support and a Prezzy Card as a thank you for their contribution.
Phase Two - Diaries
Diaries delved deeper into the world of dating for Generation Z in Aotearoa.
Six of the Tapes participants were given equipment to record personal vlog-style updates offering a raw look into the roller coaster that is dating.
The d8talk team curated the vlogs, sharing regular instalments for each participant across d8talk social media channels.
Diaries participants received mental health support, editorial guidance from the director, and social media exposure (if they wanted it). They also got to keep the smartphones and other equipment supplied to them for their weekly vlogs.
Our goal
The purpose of d8talk is to uplift people in the pursuit of finding connection with others. We want to bring people together by showing that, whatever background we come from, we're all human and we're all just trying to figure out what works for us.
We don't think anybody has all the answers, but we do believe that the real voices in d8talk bring perspectives and themes that resonate with others. By showcasing a breadth of identities we hope to encourage acceptance, togetherness and celebration of the ways we're different.
Joe Canham - Director He/Him
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Te Hikutū
Joe is based in Tāhuna and has been active in the Aotearoa film industry since age 18. Being single and living in the small(ish) mountain town, having engaged with its tiny but colourful dating scene, meant Joe’s motivation to create d8talk was personal.
Georgia-May Russ - Producer She/Her
Ngati Maniapoto | Waikato-Tainui
Georgia-May is a Māori filmmaker and theatre-maker. Growing up as Pākehā-Māori in a rural town influences a lot of her work, drawing on her real-life experiences of cultural reconnection, whānau and self-realisation.
David Jacobs - Executive Producer He/They
Jewish-English-Aotearoan
David is based in Tāmaki Makaurau and has worked in the film industry since the 1980s as a producer, director and editor. He founded and led The Outlook for Someday sustainability film project for young people, which is now known as Day One Hāpai te Haeata.