TĀNE RORE
17-21 June

Actor

represented by RBA Management

GEORGE HENARE, CNZM, OBE

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine

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"Because my career is all about human behaviour and interaction, it is for me an endless journey of discovery, fascination and enlightenment, a journey I hope to continue on until that 'other' big spotlight shows the way to another dimension."

George was born in Gisborne in 1945, the third youngest in a family of ten children. He spent the first 12 years of his life on a sheep and cattle farm in the Whakaangiangi Valley, 15 Kilometres inland from Te Araroa on the East Coast of the North Island. He attended Gisborne Boys' High School and then Ardmore Teachers' College.

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George became involved in theatre in his late teens after brief stints as a postie and trainee teacher. He abandoned his teaching career in 1965 after a successful audition with the New Zealand Opera Company where he sang chorus in productions as Porgy and Bess and Il Trovatore. George was extremely adept at "pulling faces" and getting noticed, so began to be offered small acting roles.

From 1965 George worked with the New Zealand Opera Company, the Māori Theatre Trust, Wellington's Downstage Theatre, Radio Drama and fledgling television, until joining Mercury Theatre, Auckland, in 1971 at the age of 25. Since then George has played dozens of parts, from Ratty, Dracula, Toad of Toad Hall, Snoopy to more serious characters such as Lear, Lenin and Caesar. His television and film work includes Rapa Nui, Crooked Earth, The Silent One, Once Were Warriors and Potiki's Memory Of Stone (written by Laureate Briar Grace- Smith). After Mercury's demise in 1992, George worked extensively in Australia with Melbourne Theatre Co, Sydney's Ensemble Theatre and Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney, and toured with Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera and guested on many television series.

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For the Auckland Theatre Company George has performed in Who Wants To Be 100? Goldie, Wind In The Willows, Cabaret and Into the Woods. Other highlights include the 2000 New Zealand International Festival of the Arts production of Haruru Mai and Purapurawhetu, which toured New Zealand and internationally.

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George received an OBE in 1988 for his services to theatre; Best Theatrical Performance Award at The Entertainer of the Year Awards for his role in Jesus Christ Superstar; in 2000 he was named Best Actor at the 2000 TV Guide New Zealand Television Awards for Nga Tohu - Signatures; 1992 and 2001 George was named Talking Books Narrator of the year; and in 2006 he won a Chapman Tripp ‘Best Actor' Award for his portrayal of Willy Loman in Circa Theatre's Death of a Salesman. In 2008 George received Te Waka Toi, Te Tohu Toi Ke, Award for his outstanding contribution to Māori theatre and in 2009 he was the recipient of an Arts Foundation Laureate Award.

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In 2010 George was awarded Best Actor for his role in the fantasy series Kaitangata Twitch written by Margaret Mahy and screened as a television series. George played the role of ‘a tormented soul' Lee Kaa . He was also awarded a CMNZ (Companion of the said Order of New Zealand) in the New Year's honours list.

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George has recently moved back to Aotearoa and is living in Tauranga with his family, after a 8-year stint in Australia where he played the Sultan in Disney's Aladdin, and Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter The Cursed Child.

Courtesy - Arts Foundation

Actor

represented by TMH Management

POROAKI

MERRITT-MCDONALD

Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne, Ngā Rauru, Tūhoe and Ngāti Rehua

Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Poroaki is a product of kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori and wharekura where he excelled in mahi toi, toi whakaari, hākinakina and Te Reo Māori. He was selected for the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company (but unfortunately didn't get the chance to go to the Globe in London due to COVID19). He played touch rugby at National level, and has represented his whānau and iwi in kapa haka at Matatini level. Poroaki has been involved in many projects with Tuatara Collective since 2020.

Actor

represented by Human Agency

Luke Orbell

Ngai Tahu

Luke is an emerging creative practitioner specialising in acting who recently graduated from Unitec’s Acting Program in 2023. As well as acting, Luke has experience in Directing, Writing, and small Producing roles in various kaupapa. Luke is passionate about forging a sustainable arts career through his activism in various spaces by telling stories that reflect his queer, Indigenous identities. Luke is currently finishing writing his short film which he plans to direct and produce this year as well as continuing to work full time in the arts industry.

Actor

represented by TMH Management

Tohu Edwards

Ngāpuhi, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou

Tohu Edwards is a talented 16-year-old actor from Tauranga who attends Te Wharekura o Mauao. He has already made his mark on screen with a role in the TV series Not Even, and on stage as Sonny in In The Heights for Stage Right Trust. Most recently, he delivered a powerful performance in Tuatara Collective’s epic ANZAC tribute show FOR THE FALLEN, which received standing ovations at every performance. A passionate performer of classical theatre, Tohu has taken part in the NZ Shakespeare Festival multiple times, performing excerpts from Romeo & Juliet, Othello, and As You Like It, and was awarded Best Actor Under 16 last year. With presence, versatility, and deep dedication to his craft, Tohu is an exciting young artist to watch.

Actor

represented by TMH Management

Nātana Mika

Ngai Tuhoe, Ngāti Ranginui

Nātana is an 11-year-old actor with an impressive and growing list of film credits, including roles in Wrecking Crew, Rapido, and Ka Whawhai Tonu, where he shone as Puku, the Chief’s cheeky and unforgettable grandson. Known for his natural charisma and impeccable comic timing, Nātana also stole the show as Babkak in his school’s production of Aladdin, delivering all the best lines and biggest laughs. He lives in Tauranga with his family and enjoys playing rugby and hanging out with his mates. With his talent, confidence, and spark, Nātana is fast becoming a standout young performer to watch.