One of the biggest names in New Zealand film-making has died.
Lee Tamahori made his directorial film debut with the ground-breaking Once Were Warriors.
Born in Tawa, in Wellington, Tamahori started Flying Fish, one of the country’s most successful advertising production companies.
His first short film, Thunderbox, was developed for Te Manuka’s E Tipu E Rea series with Don Selwyn and Larry Parr.
He went on to forge a remarkable international career, directing Hollywood hits and independent films such as Mulholland Falls, The Devil’s Double and the James Bond film Die Another Day.
In a statement, his family said Tamahori died peacefully at home surrounded by his longtime love Justine, his children Sam, Max, Meka and Tane, his daughters-in-law Casey and Meri, his granddaughter Cora Lee, and whānau.
“His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every film-maker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart.
“A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed Māori talent both on and off screen.
“He ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with Mahana and his latest film The Convert, reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa.
“We’ve lost an immense creative spirit.”
An obituary will follow.
— RNZ