The film industry is paying tribute to acclaimed Kiwi filmmaker Lee Tamahori, who passed away aged 75 on Friday.
Tamahori’s family confirmed the Once Were Warriors director passed away surrounded by family after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Tamahori (Ngāti Porou) forged a successful career in Hollywood and Europe largely due to the phenomenal success of his first feature film, Once Were Warriors, which was released in 1994.
Tributes have poured in from many film stars who worked with the Kiwi.
Among them was fellow Once Were Warriors star Temuera Morrison, who described his close friend as “just an amazing man”.
“I don’t think anyone surpasses him. He knew how to break down a script. He knew every facet of the filmmaking industry and a very classy, very knowledgeable director,” he told RNZ.
“He knew precisely what he wanted. His knowledge of the lens and how to work the camera was just incredible.”
Rena Owen, who played Beth Heke in Once Were Warriors, paid tribute to Tamahori, saying he would “forever rest among our country’s greatest filmmakers”.
“So blessed I got to share precious, priceless moments with you & your beloved before you passed today. Kia kaha Koutou! Moemoea e Hoa,” the actress said in an Instagram post.
The New Zealand Film Commission said it was deeply saddened by Tamahori’s passing, describing him as a visionary director whose work shaped New Zealand’s cinematic identity.
“Lee’s storytelling brought Māori culture and New Zealand voices to global audiences with power and authenticity,” the Commission said.
“His international career cemented his place as a filmmaker of extraordinary range and impact.”
Tamahori went on to direct several Hollywood blockbusters, including the James Bond film Die Another Day (2002), The Edge (1997) starring Anthony Hopkins, and Next (2007) with Nicolas Cage.
“We’re saddened to hear of the Lee Tamahori at the age of 75,” the official James Bond account posted to X.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Brian Kassler, who worked with Tamahori in the film industry and started the company Flying Fish with him, praised Tamahori for his huge role in New Zealand’s screen industry.
“He was an incredibly talented person,” Kassler said. “A lot of people looked up to him. He was a hell of a nice guy… a very talented top bloke.”
Whānau, friends and colleagues were invited to pay their respects at Te Mahurehure Marae in Pt Chevalier, Auckland, from 10.30am and throughout the day on Sunday, November 9.
