TūngiaBaker
- Actor
Tūngia Baker was a dedicated advocate for Māori involvement in the arts. She played a role in Rowley Habib’s theatre production, Death of The Land, and a 1978 television adaption of the play. Her other screen roles include TV series Open House, and Jane Campion film The Piano. Baker was a founding member of the Māori film collective, Te Manu Aute, and Māori women’s arts collective, Haeata. She passed away on 27 July 2005.
Screenography
Biography
Born and raised in Ōtaki in 1939, Tūngia Baker was a multifaceted talent— actor, artist, and a dedicated advocate for Māori voices in the arts, theatre and film.
Baker's journey towards championing Māori representation in the arts began after she won an American Field Service Scholarship in 1958, and travelled to West Bend, Wisconsin. The experience shaped her understanding of cultural diversity: "I realised that the way Māori people live is okay. I am now able to confront people who are uncomfortable with different cultural traits."
“Tūngia played an important role in the evolution of te reo in Māori radio, television and film. As a scholar and te reo speaker her contribution during this time was invaluable. ”