The film world is mourning the loss of acclaimed director Lee Tamahori, who has died at the age of 75 following a battle with Parkinson's disease.
Wellington-born Tamahori passed away peacefully at home, according to a statement released by his family, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's some years earlier.
A trailblazing cinematic career
Tamahori forged an extraordinary career that spanned both New Zealand independent cinema and Hollywood blockbusters. Born Warren Lee Tamahori on 17 June 1950 in Wellington, he was of Māori descent through his father and British ancestry via his mother.
After attending Tawa College, he began his creative journey in photography and commercial art before transitioning to television and film work.
His breakthrough came in 1994 with Once Were Warriors, a raw and powerful portrayal of urban Māori life that became a landmark of New Zealand cinema. The film established his reputation as a director with a fierce creative voice rooted in whakapapa and identity.
Hollywood success and Bond legacy
Tamahori's success in New Zealand opened doors to Hollywood, where he directed several major films including The Edge (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001).
His most high-profile project came in 2002 when he directed Die Another Day, the 20th James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry. The film grew into a major global spectacle, cementing Tamahori's status as a director capable of handling blockbuster productions.
Return to roots and lasting legacy
Despite his Hollywood success, Tamahori never lost connection to New Zealand or his Māori heritage. In his later years, he returned to his native country to direct films steeped in Māori culture and history.
These included culturally significant works such as Mahana (2016) and his latest film The Convert (2023), which reaffirmed his deep connection to Aotearoa.
His family's statement celebrated his enduring legacy: 'His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart.'
The statement described Tamahori as 'a charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit' who championed Māori talent both on and off screen throughout his career.
He is remembered in New Zealand and worldwide as a powerful cinematic voice who used his experience to open doors for Māori talent both in front of and behind the camera.
