As a Māori woman, my journey into acting began at 18 when I enrolled in a diploma program in performing arts at EIT. I further honed my craft through a diploma in on-screen acting at South Seas Film and Television and ultimately earned a bachelor's degree from Toi Whakaari. I also explored creative papers at Massey University and completed studies at the New Zealand Film Academy. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the creative arts, I participated in choirs, roadshows, kapa haka, pasifika performances, and piano and guitar recitals, all of which nurtured my passion for storytelling and self-expression.
My love for storytelling ignited at a young age. I vividly remember being four years old, watching a show from BYU where the audience erupted with laughter. Suddenly, it all went silent, and I looked down at the stage to see a girl crying. The profound impact this performer had on the audience captivated me; she possessed the ability to evoke strong emotions from a thousand people. In that moment, I thought, "I want to tell stories like that."
Since then, storytelling has been a constant presence in my life. Everyone who knows me understands that my lifelong dream has been to be an artist and storyteller. I do this work not out of competition but because it brings me joy. My passion motivates me to create and share my work. I’m incredibly grateful to be at this stage in my life where I have the confidence to present my productions, even when they’re not fully polished. I’ve learned the importance of putting my work out there, embracing the opportunity to grow and improve through feedback and experience. I would much rather be an artist who shares their work and tests it along the way.
I’ve written over 39 children's plays and produced these works, presenting them in both small and large venues. These productions focus on themes of self-belief, bravery, healthy friendships, and more. Additionally, I have numerous unpublished children's books, blog posts, and podcast and web series. I have developed multiple one-woman solo shows, short films, feature films, and stand-up comedy shows. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I am now beginning to work on these projects more seriously, bringing my creative ideas to life.
In addition to my artistic endeavors, I founded Maia Dreams, a charitable trust that uses performing arts, Mātauranga Māori, and personal development to empower individuals and communities. Maia Dreams offers workshops, mentorship, and programs focused on building confidence, resilience, and creativity among youth and underrepresented groups. Through Maia Dreams, I aim to create spaces where everyone can explore their artistic potential and tell their own stories.
To further my creative ambitions, I co-founded Wahanui Productions. This venture will allow me to produce podcasts, web series, short films, and more, expanding my storytelling horizons and reaching wider audiences. For now our focus is on finishing our National tour of Tangihanga 2024. We will then go into working on our podcast and web series.
Navigating the challenges of the industry, I learned how to produce and secure funding to support my dreams. I also became a director, striving to maintain my artistic vision amid pressures to conform. This journey led me to establish my own businesses. In a world where people can sometimes try to drag us down, I believe in advocating for myself and others. We must recognize our worth and believe in ourselves.
Ultimately, I’ve realized that I would rather be someone who shares my work and faces judgment than someone who merely dreams and wishes but never executes due to a fear of imperfection. By putting myself out there, I can improve and grow as an artist. My passion for the performing arts drives me to create and share stories that resonate with my community. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
I’m not here to compete against anyone else; I’m here to share my stories with the world and hopefully help others along the way.
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