The Power of Three Plus One

Episode 13 - The Power of Three ... Plus One (Based on a True Story) 

“The power of three plus one” revolves around four boys.  

Three likeable bullies and the little brother of the leader.  

The three bullies are not mean or nasty, but instead are more like older brothers who throw their weight around.  

I based them on Māori boys from my childhood who were dynamic, cheeky, tough, and dramatic. They were the ones who gave the teachers a hard time, but they also knew their limits. If they pushed too far, the teachers would call their mothers and it would be over.  

The three are like the Scooby-Doo gang in that they solve mysteries using their wits and Māori instincts, always managing to get themselves out of seemingly impossible situations.  

This story is the first in a trilogy, with the boys facing off against the King of the Patupaiarehe. 

The story contains several real-life elements. For example, the boy ‘Te Hamuti’ is a real person, and there is a waiata that recounts Te Hamuti's encounter with the King of the Patupaiarehe. The tūāhu or altar is also real, as well as the practice of leaving kai on the altar for the King of the Patupaiarehe.  

Most importantly, the King of the elves, Te Ririo, is a real entity. 

T.A. Whero