One of the biggest names in New Zealand film-making has died.<\/p>\n
Lee Tamahori made his directorial film debut with the ground-breaking\u00a0Once Were Warriors.<\/p>\n
Born in Tawa, in Wellington, Tamahori started Flying Fish, one of the country\u2019s most successful advertising production companies.<\/p>\n
His first short film,\u00a0Thunderbox, was developed for Te Manuka\u2019s\u00a0E Tipu E Rea\u00a0series with Don Selwyn and Larry Parr.<\/p>\n
He went on to forge a remarkable international career, directing Hollywood hits and independent films such as\u00a0Mulholland Falls,\u00a0The Devil\u2019s Double\u00a0and the James Bond film\u00a0Die Another Day.<\/p>\n
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 wh\u0101nau.<\/p>\n
“His legacy endures with his wh\u0101nau, his mokopuna, every film-maker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart.<\/p>\n
“A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed M\u0101ori talent both on and off screen.<\/p>\n
“He ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with\u00a0Mahana\u00a0and his latest film\u00a0The Convert, reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve lost an immense creative spirit.”<\/p>\n
An obituary will follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2014 RNZ<\/p>\n
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