Mauri Stokes returns to Shortland Street

Mauri Stokes feels lucky to have never experienced the difficulties of character Tupac Evans. Photo / Supplied

Acting is in Mauri Stokes' blood. His sister once starred in a KFC advertisement. Oh, and his Uncle Tem has been in a couple of things too ...

Eighteen year-old Stokes is the latest addition to the Shortland Street cast, playing reformed gang member Tupac Evans. After a brief stint on the soap opera last year, and another appearance this year, Stokes is returning to the street full time, as his character finds shelter living with Sarah Potts and TK Samuels.

And while he hopes his bad boy character may yet find redemption and follow in Dr Ropata's footsteps to become a doctor on screen, the actor is already following in his Uncle Tem's wake (that's Temuera Morrison to you and I).

Stokes got the role after visiting Morrison on the set of Shortland Street last year, when the Star Wars actor returned as a special guest star for the soap's 4000th episode.

"My sister wanted to come and see the set and my dad said I should come along and have a look myself," says the eager young actor.

"I was in the cafe and Andrea Kelland, the casting director, recognised me from an audition I did a wee while ago."

Kelland approached Stokes to ask where she knew him from and promptly offered the aspiring actor a job.

Stokes admits his uncle may have warned Kelland he was visiting that day but the actor already had some impressive credentials to his name.

As a 10-year-old, Stokes starred in an episode of the South Pacific Pictures production Mataku, directed by another famous Kiwi - Cliff Curtis.

Since then, his uncle has continued to help his career, passing on screen combat tips for Stokes' fight scenes.

"I found watching all his Once were Warriors stuff quite good for me. I think Jake the Muss and Tupac come from two similar backgrounds."

Landing the role fulfilled a childhood dream for Stokes, who admits he's always been a closet fan of the series.

"Don't tell my friends though!" he laughs. "I always wanted to be on Shortland Street when I was little."

Stokes lost sight of that dream briefly when Michael Campbell won the US Open in 2005 and the teenager decided the life of a professional golfer might be quite nice. He soon took up the sport and says it quickly became number one on his agenda.

But when the opportunity to join the Street cast arose, Stokes put golf on the backburner and embarked on the new challenge.

"Golf is still on the agenda but I've really enjoyed my experience on Shortland Street so I'm kind of confused now," he says. "I don't know what I want to do."

Rumour has it co-star Ido Trent has some fairway experience and Stokes says he may try to get him out on a course soon.

"And I'm sure Robbie [Magasiva] can wield a stick around as well," he says with a cheeky laugh.

Regardless of whether he pursues golf or acting in the future, Stokes knows he's in the fortunate position of having his whole family behind him.

Unlike Tupac, who has been led astray by the Whitetails gang, Stokes says he's never been tempted to become involved in such activities - even though he knows plenty of people with gang connections.

It's definitely something he can relate to, he says, but credits his parents with keeping him on the straight and narrow.

"I've been brought up by two lovely parents who've protected and loved me unconditionally so it was never an option. I was very lucky to compared to some people I know. My parents steered me away from that."

Who: Mauri Stokes
What: Plays Tupac Evans on Shortland Street
When: Weeknights, 7pm, TV2