Listen: The Modern Dad

10 August 2026 First published RNZ

Growing up in the Far North - Te Tai Tokerau - Louis Davis had what you would consider an idyllic childhood. Engaged and loving parents, beaches and nature on the doorstep, and friends and family nearby. No wonder as a teenager he was bored. It took moving away for university, and living the corporate life in Wellington to realise that a move back home might be in order, as he and his wife began to have children and put down their own roots.

Louis captures his life, his whānau, and his way of life in social media videos and has amassed a massive following - more than 2 million on TikTok. He wants to show Māori fathers that are loving, supportive and connected to their whenua. And has recently released a book about his life and experience titled The Modern Dad.

He joined Susie (filling in for Kathryn Ryan) on RNZ's Nine to Noon programme.