Maaka Pohatu

Maaka Pohatu was an established theatre actor (Strange Resting Places) before making his movie debut as the hapless flatmate to Bret McKenzie's character, in 2012's Two Little Boys. Later Pohatu won fans as an obsessed police sergeant battling the supernatural, in hit comedy show Wellington Paranormal. Alongside three fellow Toi Whakaari graduates, he was a founding member of The Modern Māori Quartet. They were the house band (and also actors) on variety show Happy Hour, before getting their own show, My Party Song. Pohatu played Dalvanius Prime in acclaimed documentary Poi E, and acted in comedy series Tongue Tied.

Pohatu's Gav is a fantastic creation ... Pohatu ballasts the story, lends it some pathos, and at the same time sends up every poetry scribbling dolphin hugger you've ever met. Reviewer Graeme Tuckett on Maaka Pohatu in movie Two Little Boys, The Dominion Post, 21 September 2012