Tinā

During the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Mareta's daughter auditions at the CTV Building and is killed in the collapse. Mareta is grief-stricken and loses her sense of purpose in life. She clings to her Roman Catholic faith as a source of comfort amid the disaster.

The tragedy leaves Mareta adrift in the aftermath, struggling to find meaning beyond her loss. Her faith provides a tenuous anchor as she battles to keep going in a city convulsed by disaster. The community around her is also rebuilding in the wake of the quake.

In 2014, Mareta's nephew Sio convinces her to apply for a job as a substitute teacher at St Francis School to maintain unemployment benefits. Despite reservations from the school board, the retiring headmaster Alan Hubbard hires her to fill in. Mareta begins a new chapter in a largely privileged private school environment.

Mareta covers for Sophie by pretending they had discussed vocal scholarships after witnessing Sophie being confronted by deputy principal Peter Wadsworth. The deception buys Sophie time but also exposes Mareta to the school's politics. The moment marks a turning point in Mareta's relationship with the administration.

Seeing a choir missing from the school, Mareta persuades Alan to allow her to start one, taking on the role of choirmaster. Peter Wadsworth resents the idea and actively undermines the effort. The choir becomes a platform for Mareta to connect with the students.

The choir draws in students such as Sophie, Anthony, Mei-Ling and Luke, despite their comfortable upbringings and personal traumas. Mareta trains Sophie to be lead chorister and encourages the group to work as a team. The project gives the students a sense of belonging and purpose.

The choir's first performance is held at Mareta's Samoan church with support from Father McAfee. After the show, Rona confronts Mareta about her privileged students, and Mareta collapses. She is rushed to the hospital, where doctors reveal she has cancer.

Mareta enters hospital care as her cancer is diagnosed and becomes a central threat to her ability to continue teaching. The news adds urgency to her mission with the choir and deepens the stakes for her students.

The plan to enter the Big Sing contest motivates Mareta and her students, but Sophie leaves the choir after refusing to wear a lavalava because of a disfiguring arm injury and family dynamics. The remaining members push forward despite the setback.

Anthony and Mei-Ling are embroiled in a fight with St Francis' elite rugby team, and Anthony ultimately leaves the choir. The incident tests the group's resolve and cohesion, complicating Mareta's goals.

Peter uses the rugby fight as a reason to pressure the school board to end the choir program, but the students' support keeps the project alive and the choir advances to the semi-final of the Big Sing. The group steels themselves for a challenging journey ahead.

Despite the progress, Mareta's teaching contract is terminated as the choir continues to push forward. The students, however, remain committed to the project and to Mareta's vision.

With Mareta hospitalized, Sophie returns to help the choristers prepare for the final, enlisting support from her mother and Rona. The group works hard to honor Mareta's legacy and keep the dream alive.

On the night of the final, Mareta succumbs to her cancer, but Sophie steps forward to lead the choir, wearing a lavalava, and they perform a traditional Samoan song for the Big Sing final. The moment caps Mareta's journey with a poignant, unifying performance.