Ngahuia Piripi

Auckland-based performer Ngahuia Piripi cut her teeth acting in short films (Pūmanawa: The Gift) and television shows (Kōrero Mai) and as a presenter (Fresh), before landing her long-running role on Shortland Street in 2015. Piripi plays Esther Samuels, a forthright young doctor (and niece of stalwart character TK), who also features in spinoff show Shortland Street: Retribution. Piripi's other major credits include Lee Tamahori movie Mahana and award-winning comedy web series Millenial Jenny. Piripi performs with Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau-a-Apanui; the group have previously won national kapa haka competition Te Matatini. 

He just embraces . . . the way they [actors] are and the way they like to work. He trusts that everybody does what the character would do. He trusts you to create your own character. Ngahuia Piripi on working with director Lee Tamahori on her first movie Mahana, Stuff, 18 December 2015