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The pavlova power list
Lifestyle

The pavlova power list

Air fryer, microwave or barbecue pavlova? You can and we did. Which pav will win the battle of the beaters in this epic Christmas test kitchen? Video / Jason Oxenham / Alyse Wright

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Te Kohe Tuhaka
Kahu

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Te Kohe Tuhaka

Te Kohe Tuhaka, celebrated for his compelling role in "The Dead Lands," is not just an actor but also an emerging force in the spheres of production and directing. As he readies himself to delve into movie production, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his dual prowess both on and off the camera. The actor's journey is a testament to his diverse talent and passion. This proud father of three intertwines personal moments with his dynamic career, often sharing cherished snapshots of family life, emphasising the importance of grounding even amidst the limelight. Hailing from Gisborne and the back blocks of Waiōhau in the bay, acting wasn't an immediate call. It was during a high school engagement with Miranda Harcourt that the vast realm of acting possibilities unfurled before Te Kohe. His traditional Māori upbringing, enriched with the rhythms of kapa haka, has profoundly shaped his artistry. Despite limited exposure to Māori actors in his formative years, Te Kohe carved his unique narrative, letting instinct and passion be his guides. This self-made talent, while recognized widely for his on-screen charisma, notably in "The Brokenwood Mysteries," has also ventured beyond. As a seasoned fitness trainer, Te Kohe extends his influence to the realms of health and well-being. His diverse interests are evident, once even picturing himself donning a police uniform. On stage, his versatility shines bright, having earned accolades from "Time Out Australia" for his riveting performance in "Michael James Manaia." Te Kohe is an embodiment of tradition, multifaceted talent, and genuine passion. He’s part of the yet-to-be released Chief of War historical drama series, alongside Jason Momoa. As he branches out into the world of movie production, his future contributions to the world of art and entertainment promise to resonate with even greater authenticity and depth, marking him as a true luminary. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Ngahuia Piripi
Kahu

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Ngahuia Piripi

Ngahuia Piripi has dazzled audiences across multiple platforms throughout her years of performing. From the Te Matatini stage to our TV screens, Ngahuia began her journey on Māori language TV shows like “Whānau” and “Kōrero Mai”. She has since made her mark playing the fierce and popular Dr Esther Samuels on Aotearoa’s favourite TV drama Shortland Street. She grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau and was involved within the realm of Te Ao Haka and credits Kapahaka for igniting her passion for performance. He māmā. He Māori. He uri no Te Taitokerau. Te Rarawa. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Miriama Smith
Kahu

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Miriama Smith

Miriama Smith is a celebrated New Zealand actress with over 30 years of experience in a diverse range of on-screen roles. Miriama spent much of her childhood learning dance. Encouraged to model, she found her calling after someone suggested she try acting instead. A couple of advertisements aside, her first dramatic role was as a teenager who leads a friend astray in a 1991 episode of police drama Shark in the Park. Miriama and her career since then have been busy, balancing a long run of screen roles with presenting work, competing on Dancing with the Stars and time on the judging panel for New Zealand's Got Talent. At high school she acted in fantasy series Mirror, Mirror and starred in TV's The Kina Factory. The programme was made as part of an international series in which varied youth encounter environmental problems. Miriama took on further roles while studying sport, fitness and public relations at Waikato University, then at 20 she joined the cast of Shortland Street. She went on to win acting nominations for both 2007 movie We're Here to Help and Margaret Mahy TV fantasy Kaitangata Twitch in 2010. She is currently filming a new mystery drama series for Whakaata Maori, due to be released in 2024. Earlier this year Miriama was on Celebrity Treasure Island, and played the lead in comedy series Rule of Mum. She played a key supporting role, alongside Cliff Curtis and Temueura Morrison, in historical feature drama Ka Whawhai Tonu Mātou, and played a guest role in Irish/NZ co-production The Gone. Previously, Miriama was well-known to Kiwi audiences for her leading role as ruthless CEO "Brady Truebridge" in two seasons of Filthy Rich, and in 2012 Miriama received the award for Best Supporting Actress at the NZ Film & Television Awards for her "chillingly remarkable" portrayal of Delwyn Keefe, the widow of Napier gunman Jan Molennaar, in feature film Siege. Alongside her prolific acting career, Miriama is a trained yoga teacher and independent registered marriage celebrant. She lives in Waihi Beach in New Zealand, and when she's not filming or travelling, cherishes time spent with her son and dog. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Miriama McDowell
Kahu

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Miriama McDowell

Hailing from Ngāti Hine, Miriama is an artist whose talents span acting, directing, and playwriting, all rooted in Māoritanga. She's celebrated for her film roles in "No.2” and "The Dark Horse," and the award-winning "The Great Maiden's Blush.” But her role as Younger Whina in “Whina'' last year really showcased her depth as an actress. On the small screen, Miriama has dazzled audiences with performances in "Head High” (for which she won the NZ TV Awards Best Actress in 2020) the humorous "Find Me a Māori Bride," and the dystopian drama “This Is Not My Life." Her journey into theatre saw her making a directorial splash with "Ngā Pou Wahine" at Taki Rua Theatre, but it was her Moana Nui version of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Pop Up Globe that really showed her strengths. Later, her collaboration with the Massive Theatre Company further developed her versatility both behind and in front of the curtain. Her film journey is peppered with accolades, including a stellar act in "No. 2," a Best Actress win at the NZ Film Awards for "The Great Maiden's Blush," and a gripping role in 2021's "Coming Home in the Dark.” Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Kura Forrester
Kahu

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Kura Forrester

Kura Forrester was born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She graduated from studying Performing Arts at UNITEC in 2005 and has since worked throughout the country as an actor, writer and comedian. As a graduate, Kura won television roles in Kai Kōrero and comedy A Thousand Apologies. Heading off to Europe, she studied at Paris clown school École Philippe Gaulier and tried stand-up comedy in London. Back home, she’s written for and acted in small-town sitcom Golden Boy, and played a melodramatic drama teacher in The Educators. She has starred in Shortland Street, Taskmaster and acclaimed docu-drama Belief. Kura is known for her roles in Adventures of Suzy Boon as an imprisoned immigration officer and What We Do in the Shadows. In 2019 she became the first Māori woman to win the Billy T comedy award with her show Kura Shoulda Woulda. She recently enjoyed performing her brand new hour, Here if you Need, in a sold out season during the 2023 NZ International Comedy Festival. Kura continues to be an inspiration in the film, stage and television industry for wahine Māori. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Julian Arahanga
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M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Julian Arahanga

Julian has had a colourful career in the screen industry and is one of New Zealand’s most experienced practitioners. Starting in front of the camera as an 11-year-old in the Witi Ihimaera inspired “MAKUTU ON MRS JONES” he moved behind the camera after finishing college and was educated by some of the industry’s most talented technicians in camera, lighting, and gripping. During this educational period, he also got to work with some of the most talented directors, DOPs, and production designers in the world during the decadent years of advertising. Stepping back in front of the camera proved to be the right move for a career shift and starred in roles in “ONCE WERE WARRIORS”, “BROKEN ENGLISH”, “THE MATRIX” and other films and series brought a new level of exposure and opportunities. Always interested in telling New Zealand stories, Julian started Awa Films in 2001 and built a reputation as a documentary and unscripted producer and director with shows like “TURANGARERE”, “BEHIND THE BRUSH”, and “SONGS FROM THE INSIDE”. Wanting to move back into the scripted space, Julian has begun writing and developing a vision, voice and process that will tell authentic engaging stories with a heart and soul of Aotearoa. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Edmund Eramiha
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M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Edmund Eramiha

Proudly representing Ngāpuhi - Ngāi Tawake Ki Te wāo Kū, Eds is a devoted father to Tuihana and Manawa Eramiha. Growing up in West Auckland, Eds developed a wide-ranging passion for the arts, spanning TV, Film, Stage, Dance, Martial Arts and Māori performing arts. With a keen interest in Maurākau from Te Whare Tū Tauā o Aotearoa and Te Āo Whakaari, his mission is to inspire, share knowledge, and bring Māori stories to a global audience, ensuring Māori voices are heard. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Ben Mitchell
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M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Ben Mitchell

Ben's journey in the public eye started with a commitment to fitness, which led him to win Mr. New Zealand in 1999. He then went on to become a renowned actor and a familiar face on the small and big screen. After shifting to Auckland in 2000, Ben's acting debut was a reporter role on "Shortland Street”. His flair for acting quickly shone through, landing him varied roles in shows like "Power Rangers: Ninja Storm" and "Outrageous Fortune." His role evolution on "Shortland Street" led to his iconic portrayal of Dr. TK Samuels in 2006. Venturing into film, he starred with Bollywood's Celina Jaitley in the cross-cultural "Love Has No Language" and featured in indie films like "I'm Not Harry Jenson”. Ben also starred in Peter Jackson’s blockbuster “The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug” as Narzug, and the “Goodbye Pork Pie” remake film with co-star James Rolleston. As a devoted father of three, Ben remains fitness-driven. His fervour for acting and genuine connection with fans positions him as a beloved figure in the Aotearoa entertainment realm. Video / M9

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Awhina-Rose Henare Ashby
Kahu

M9 He Mataaho ki Te Ao Whakaari - Awhina-Rose Henare Ashby

Raised on a farm in Motatau, a small place situated in the Bay of Islands, Awhina graduated from Excel School of Performing Arts in 2008 then moving on to Toi Whakaari, New Zealand Drama School in 2012. She has continued working in the creative industries including stage and screen. Some of her screen highlights include “Rūrangi”, “Dear Murderer”, “Resolve”, “Waru” and three seasons of “The Ringinz”, a Māori comedy television show on Whakaata Māori. One of her most recent works can be seen in “Te Pāmu Kūmara” a children’s television show about a whānau owned Kūmara farm, all in te reo Māori. Also performing as one of the main actresses in theatre show “Witis Wāhine”, her ability to captivate the audience on screen and in theatre is limitless. Video / M9

Harapaki wind farm development
New Zealand

Harapaki wind farm development

Power to the people. Harapaki wind farm development has five turbines generating power to the national grid. With a further 36 turbines to be constructed the field will eventually generate power for 70,000 homes. Video / Warren Buckland

Watch: Shaba trailer
Entertainment

Watch: Shaba trailer

Retiti is Africa's first indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary which was built for orphan elephants to be rehabilitated to go back into the wild. Video / Ami Vitale.

Bagshot Row opens its doors
Entertainment

Bagshot Row opens its doors

“You shall not pass” beyond the doors of the hobbit holes at the Hobbiton Movie Set - until now as iconic hobbit holes are finally open to the public. Video / Carson Bluck