We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Profile image for Rawiri Paratene

Rawiri Paratene

Actor, Presenter, Writer [Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa]

Actor, writer and director Rawiri Paratene, ONZM, first sprang into the public eye on Play School and comedy shows like Joe and Koro. In 1999 he played gang member Mulla Rota in the sequel to Once Were Warriors, and four years later was seen around the globe, as the stubborn grandfather Koro in Whale Rider. In 2010 he won further acclaim (and an Aotearoa Film and TV award) after starring in movie The Insatiable Moon.

I still think it’s not too late for us to be bilingual. I still dream of a country that teaches Māori from five up, compulsory in all schools.[...] It might not be in my lifetime, but it might be in my great grandchildren’s lifetime. Rawiri Paratene

Thumbnail image for Rawiri Paratene: From Play School to Whale Rider...
Interview

Rawiri Paratene: From Play School to Whale Rider...

Interview, 2010

Thumbnail image for RNZ Interview: Play School - Jacqui Dean, Pauline Durning & Rawiri Paratene
Interview

RNZ Interview: Play School - Jacqui Dean, Pauline Durning & Rawiri Paratene

Interview, 2022

Thumbnail image for Stranded Pearl

Stranded Pearl

2020, As: William - Film

Thumbnail image for Golden Boy - First Episode

Golden Boy - First Episode

2019, The Ex-Mayor - Television

Thumbnail image for Golden Boy

Golden Boy

2018 - 2020, As: The Ex Mayor - Television

Thumbnail image for Funny Girls - NZ Suffragette Special

Funny Girls - NZ Suffragette Special

2018, As: Āpirana Ngata - Television

Thumbnail image for Golden Boy (Comedy Pilot Week)

Golden Boy (Comedy Pilot Week)

2018, As: Mitch's Dad - Television

Thumbnail image for I'm Going to Mum's

I'm Going to Mum's

2013, Casting - Short Film

Thumbnail image for Ngā Tamatoa: 40 Years On

Ngā Tamatoa: 40 Years On

2012, Presenter - Television

Thumbnail image for Auckland Daze

Auckland Daze

2011 - 2014, As: Rawiri - Web

Thumbnail image for What Really Happened - Waitangi

What Really Happened - Waitangi

2011, As: Te Kemera Kaiteke - Television

Thumbnail image for Auckland Daze - Series One

Auckland Daze - Series One

2011, As: Rawiri (episode 5) - Web

Thumbnail image for The Insatiable Moon

The Insatiable Moon

2010, As: Arthur - Film

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 2 - The Whole World's Watching

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 2 - The Whole World's Watching

2010, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 6 - A Sense of Identity

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 6 - A Sense of Identity

2010, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 7 - Taonga TV

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 7 - Taonga TV

2010, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for in beTWEEN - Politics

in beTWEEN - Politics

2010, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Barry Barclay: The Camera on the Shore

Barry Barclay: The Camera on the Shore

2009, Subject - Film

Thumbnail image for Poppy

Poppy

2009, Executive Producer - Short Film

Thumbnail image for Roof Rattling

Roof Rattling

2009, Executive Producer - Short Film

Thumbnail image for Jinx Sister

Jinx Sister

2008, As: Tama (motel manager) - Film

Thumbnail image for The Graffiti of Mr Tupaia

The Graffiti of Mr Tupaia

2008, As: Mr Tupaia - Short Film

Thumbnail image for This is Her

This is Her

2008, Executive Producer - Short Film

Thumbnail image for Kōrero Mai - Series Five, Episode One

Kōrero Mai - Series Five, Episode One

2007, Co-Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Frontseat - Who Can Play Māori

Frontseat - Who Can Play Māori

2006, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Taonga

Taonga

2005, Actor - Television

Thumbnail image for Intrepid Journeys - Nicaragua (Rawiri Paratene)

Intrepid Journeys - Nicaragua (Rawiri Paratene)

2005, Presenter - Television

Thumbnail image for Fracture

Fracture

2004, As: Judge - Film

Thumbnail image for Kōrero Mai

Kōrero Mai

2004 - ongoing, Director, Writer - Television

Thumbnail image for Behind the Scenes of Whale Rider

Behind the Scenes of Whale Rider

2003, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Hard Out - Full Series

Hard Out - Full Series

2003, As: Gran Pekapeka - Television

Thumbnail image for  The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh

2002, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Whale Rider

Whale Rider

2002, As: Koro - Film

Thumbnail image for Love Mussel

Love Mussel

2001, As: Matt Kutu - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Musical episode

Shortland Street - Musical episode

2001, As: Joe Hudson - Television

Thumbnail image for Duggan

Duggan

1999, As: Mita - Television

Thumbnail image for The Day Morris Left

The Day Morris Left

1999, As: Morris - Short Film

Thumbnail image for Accidents

Accidents

1999, As: Tamati - Short Film

Thumbnail image for What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

1999, As: Mulla Rota - Film

Thumbnail image for Ōtara - Defying the Odds

Ōtara - Defying the Odds

1998, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Witi Ihimaera

Witi Ihimaera

1997, As: Tamihana - Television

Thumbnail image for For Art's Sake - Waiora

For Art's Sake - Waiora

1996, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for A Summer Place

A Summer Place

1995, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Dead Certs

Dead Certs

1995, Writer, As: Hare - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street

Shortland Street

2001 - 2002, As: Joe Hudson - Television

Thumbnail image for Opo

Opo

1991, Writer, As: Friend of Opo - Television

Thumbnail image for More Issues

More Issues

1991 - 1992, Writer, As: Various roles - Television

Thumbnail image for More Issues - A Compilation

More Issues - A Compilation

1991, Writer, As: Various characters - Television

Thumbnail image for The Billy T James Show (sitcom) - excerpts

The Billy T James Show (sitcom) - excerpts

1990, As: Don - Television

Thumbnail image for E Tipu E Rea - Te Moemoea (The Dream)

E Tipu E Rea - Te Moemoea (The Dream)

1989, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for E Tipu e Rea - Variations on a Theme

E Tipu e Rea - Variations on a Theme

1989, As: Storyteller, Writer - Television

Thumbnail image for Erua

Erua

1988, Writer - Television

Thumbnail image for Arriving Tuesday

Arriving Tuesday

1986, As: Riki, Additional Script - Film

Thumbnail image for Footrot Flats - The Dog's Tale

Footrot Flats - The Dog's Tale

1986, As: Rangi - Film

Thumbnail image for Seekers

Seekers

1986, Writer - Television

Thumbnail image for Country GP - Tim's Commie Dad

Country GP - Tim's Commie Dad

1984, Writer - Television

Thumbnail image for Loose Enz - If the Cat Laps

Loose Enz - If the Cat Laps

1982, As: Polynesian model consumer - Television

Thumbnail image for Play School - Presenter Compilation

Play School - Presenter Compilation

1980 - 1987, Presenter - Television

Thumbnail image for Joe and Koro - High Society

Joe and Koro - High Society

1977, As: Koro - Television

Thumbnail image for The Governor 5 - The Lame Seagull (Episode Five)

The Governor 5 - The Lame Seagull (Episode Five)

1977, As: Hamiora (George Grey's servant) - Television

Thumbnail image for Joe and Koro

Joe and Koro

1976 - 1978, As: Koro - Television

Thumbnail image for Play School

Play School

1972 - 1990, Presenter - Television