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Wi Kuki Kaa
Wi Kuki Kaa was a veteran of New Zealand stage and screen. During a career which spanned four decades he starred in numerous films, plays and television series.
He is best known for his roles in features such as Utu (1983), Ngati (1987), Te Rua (1991) and his cameo in River Queen (2006). He also starred in many short films including Te Po Uriuri (2001) and Turangawaewae (2003). Television roles included Worzel Gummidge and Te Kai a Te Rangatira, a series in Te Reo Maori.
Although revered for his commitment to Maori characters, Kaa moved to Sydney for 15 years, taking Aboriginal parts, because of the lack of Maori roles in New Zealand. When he eventually came home it was to star in Geoff Murphy's Utu (1983).
Wi Kuki’s talent was recognised in 1988 when he won Best Film Performance, Male at the Listener Film and Television Awards for his role in Ngati.
Wi Kuki was a member of Te Manu Aute, a collective of Maori communicators committed to achieving control in their chosen crafts. He was part of an advisory group convened to assist the Film Archive develop its bicultural mission and afterwards served as an Archive trustee for many years.
- Utu (1,076kb)
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