TamaPoata
Ngāti Porou
- Actor
- Writer
- Director [ngāti porou]
Tama Poata's wide-ranging contributions to our culture can be glimpsed through his appearances on-screen: from campaigns for Māori land rights (in 1975 doco Te Matakite O Aotearoa) and against the Springbok tour (Patu!), to his many acting roles. He also directed documentaries and wrote landmark 1987 movie Ngati, the first feature written (and directed) by Māori.
Screenography
2013 As: Puni Film
2009 Subject Film
2001 Writer, Director Short film
Waitangi Tribunal - Claims Process
1997 Director, Writer, Producer Short film
Tuaiwa Hautai Rickard
1997 Director, Producer Television
Biography
When Tama Poata passed away in late 2005, Māori Party co-leader Tariana Turia summarised his many roles: "Tom was a worker, an actor, a movie-maker, an artist, a unionist, an activist fighting for human rights, a devoted father and a loving grandfather".
“Tom was one of our quiet revolutionaries who changed our world for the better.”
— Māori Party co-leader Tariana Turia