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1News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 1News
Stuntwoman Dayna Pomare-Pai trailblazing for others to follow
Dayna Pomare-Pai (Ngāpuhi) is an award-winning stuntwoman to the stars, but it's what she does on the ground that's shaping the future of the industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Rauhiringa Brown caught up with Pomare-Pai on her stomping grounds in the Hunua Ranges for TVNZ's Marae. Watch part one of this two-part report on TVNZ+ now. When she's not on a film set, you can find Pomare-Pai at home on Sky High Ranch, training grounds to the next generation of stunt performers. 'Everyone who comes here says it feels like therapy,' she said. On this visit, the kind of therapy students are going through at the New Zealand Stunt School - which she founded - require swords and shields. ADVERTISEMENT 'We've just done three days of Roman riding and saddle falls and swords, and all sorts of things, and all horse-related stuff. Then, today, we're just bringing in some of the New Zealand stunt course students and getting them a bit around the horses.' At one stage they are paired off to go through the motions of pulling people off a barrel in a scenario set up to mimic someone on horseback being attacked. They each get a turn at being the victim and perpetrator. Stunt student Puriri Koria attempts to pull a clasmate off the 'horse'. (Source: Marae) For trainee Puriri Koria, stunt work was never on the radar. 'There's some of us here that are new to this, like myself. I was at first - I didn't know stunts was a thing.' He said he 'gave it a go' and found it was like play fighting. 'But that's what I love about this kind of mahi, the environment, these kinds of people.' He's relishing the opportunity to learn off one of the best in the industry - "she's kei runga noa atu.' ("She's top of the game.") ADVERTISEMENT Pomare-Pai first founded the school in 2010, and then, soon after, the New Zealand Action Talent Agency to represent homegrown talent for international projects. 'When we were training them up and then kind of going, 'well, they're so good how do we get them work?'' Pomare-Pai in her element. (Source: Marae) From there onwards, the pathway's foundation was laid. She started to bring others to run the agency and put graduates forward for stunt work. People from all over the world travel to take part in training at the ranch. In 2020, she brought her two worlds together, launching the New Zealand Horse Team where her love for horses and stunt work became one. 'We've actually been really busy, like we've just finished a six-month job," she said. 'We had 75 horses on that job over the six months – a whole big horse team of wranglers. So everybody was really, really busy, and then there's other horse jobs coming this year, and you know, we had heaps last year come through from commercials to Netflix shows.' ADVERTISEMENT A horse-riding stuntwoman is born Pomare-Pai fell into stunt work when she was asked to audition for a role on the iconic 90's hit show Xena: Warrior Princess. 'I was so active - I was a horse rider, dancer, gymnast - I did all these things and they were like, 'you'd be great', you know, 'give this a go'.' She got the gig and it was the beginning of a 30-plus year career stunt doubling for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Her past credits, under her former name Dayna Grant, include Mad Max: Fury Road, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Wonderwoman. Despite her success in stunting, it comes second to her love for horses. Stuntwoman Dayna Pomare-Pai trains next generation of stunt performers (Source: Supplied) 'Horses has been my thing from day one. Like, I'd go and do stunts and I'd come back and my thing was getting back to the horses.' ADVERTISEMENT She recalls fondly how her dad would tie her into a saddle before she could even walk or talk. "I was only just sitting up and we would do six-week cattle drives and stuff like that and he'd worked a big station. He'd climb in the saddle, and I was happy on the horse. We'd go off and I'd fall asleep on there," she said. "I felt more comfortable on horseback, like, if I was crying, he'd put me on a horse. Straight away stopped crying. Happy as, go to sleep. So, yeah, that was from my dad.' Next chapter In 2021, Pomare-Pai sustained a serious head injury on set – a brutal reminder of the risks of stunt work. Scans later revealed an 8mm aneurysm that required urgent surgery. She raised the funds to go private and underwent a lengthy recovery stint. Stuntwoman Dayna Pomare-Pai trains next generation of stunt performers (Source: Marae) ADVERTISEMENT 'I'd spend days in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, and I learnt to meditate, which I never thought somebody with ADHD would be able to do. 'I didn't think I could teach myself to meditate, I didn't think it was possible, but I was put into a state where I had to learn how to meditate and that has now helped me out in life.' Now, she's turning that experience into helping those who need it the most. For part two of Dayna Pomare-Pai's story - Watch Marae on TVNZ1 on Sunday at 10.30am or on TVNZ+
The Spinoff
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Bloody crocs, vomit socks: The best moments from the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards
Alex Casey recaps the highlights of the 60th Aotearoa Music Awards. Last night the Viaduct Event Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau hosted the 60th Aotearoa Music Awards, a celebration of our best and brightest musicians and an annual opportunity to see just how many outfit changes Jesse Mulligan and Kara Rickard can pack into one awards night (I counted just four this year, but we are in tough times). Here are my observations from watching the RNZ livestream from my couch (you can now watch it on TVNZ+ if you missed out) with bonus commentary from awards attendee Toby Manhire, who sent me an email with the subject line 'Unsolicited radnom opinions' at 1.26am this morning. Category is: charcoal This is humiliating to admit, but I did have a tab open the other day to watch the red carpet of the American Music Awards, convinced like all the other idiot clowns around the world that Taylor Swift was going to slither out in a snake outfit and announce Reputation TV. That didn't happen, but what struck me was how boring everybody looked in their same-y sequins, deep plunge dresses and really bad wigs (she says in her trackpants). Dare I say that New Zealand turned it out comparatively, nailing a thrilling brief that can only be described as 'Charcoal! At the Disco' Dangerous day to be a pair of crutches Poor DARTZ drummer Rollyz, aka Hakopa Kuka-Larsen, who had to take the stage not once but twice on a pair of crutches to accept the Tui for best rock artist and best video content. 'What happened?' asked Mulligan. 'Carrying the band has its downsides,' joked Kuka-larsen. Poli-poli-poli, politicians It isn't a music awards night without some politicians in the house, including minister for arts, culture and heritage Paul Goldsmith wearing what our insider described as 'a t-shirt with a lion in sequins'. He was also spotted introducing his daughter to Lorde in the crowd, before announcing 'I could use some chips.' Later in the proceedings, Mulligan gave the esteemed guests a shout out. 'Tonight we have Paul Goldsmith, Tamatha Paul, Jenny Salesa, Chris Bishop, and Kahurangi Carter,' he said. 'Yes, I said them in a weird order so you wouldn't know when to boo.' There was an indiscernible hubbub in the crowd, soon revealed to be a cluster of people yelling 'Chloe! Chloe! Chloe!'. 'We love Chloe, our Tāmaki Makaurau MP,' said Rickard. 'Hey, we're not playing favourites here,' quipped Mulligan. One of the most heartwarming moments of the night came from best classical artist winner Jian Liu, who seemed totally chuffed to accept his award. 'Music, it doesn't matter what we do, it takes a lot of passion and dedication,' he said, gesturing out to the crowd of artists. 'Maybe we can jam together if you need a good pianist.' Later in the night, L.A.B. picked up that gauntlet after winning radio airplay record of the year: 'Maybe we have a jam with Jian Lu after this and come up with another one.' Stan Walker had a showstopper He won best Māori artist earlier in the night, describing the award as 'a win for all of us, as Māori we do everything collectively, I am them, they are me,' and dedicating it to 'all our tangata whenua here who make this possible.' That kaupapa was laid bare during Walker's live performance of 'Māori Ki Te Ao' in the second half, in which the stage swelled with Toitū Te Tiriti flags, kapa haka performers and supporters. 'I'd like to say another kia ora to our politicians still in attendance,' said Mulligan, flags still waving proudly in front of the camera. 'It's great to have you here.' As a sidenote, another cool Stan Walker tidbit came during one of the throwback packages, in which he reflected on the success of 'Little Black Box' and his initial resentment of it. 'That was a song that was given to me and it wasn't really my style,' he explained. 'For a little while I didn't even know what a black box was, and years later I found out the black box was actually orange.' Still, he acknowledged the role the song had in his career and that he has now come to embrace it. 'Felt like a microcosm for the night,' wrote our awards insider. 'The snobbery of NZ music is gone.' Hori Shaw had the speech of the night Accepting his award for best breakthrough artist in camouflage and Crocs, Ōpōtiki reggae artist Hori Shaw had the acceptance speech of the night (even if they were less speeches, more awkies Q&As). 'I came prepared but everything's just gone now,' he said into the microphone. 'What about thanking some people? Family?' suggested Mulligan. 'I'd like to thank my family,' said Shaw. 'I'm just a hori fulla from the East Coast, I feel more comfortable like this instead of wearing suits and all that. Still got a bit of blood on my Crocs from last night… chur cuz.' Mulligan summed it nicely: 'Fuck I love New Zealand.' And Callum Devlin had the scream of the night Accepting the best group award for Earth Tongue with a handicam and Ezra Simons' mum Pauline, Callum Devlin from Sportsteam and Hans Puckett unleashed an impressively long scream. Cat got your Earth Tongue, Mulligan? Jesse Mulligan… was in a metal band? Speaking of screams, when Devilskin took the stage to accept the people's choice award, Mulligan had a fan moment in front of guitarist Paul Martin. 'I used to love listening to you on the Axe Attack growing up,' he said, asking if Martin could have ever expected this success all these years later. 'Probably like you and Vomit Socks back in the day,' said Martin. Wait, what? 'Are are you saying Jesse Mulligan was in a metal band?' asked Rickard. 'That's all we've got time for,' said Mulligan. We need answers. It's a woman's world Sorry to sully this celebration of the best music of the year with a Katy Perry reference, but by god did the women of New Zealand music own the live performances last night. There was Aaradhna, winner of best soul/RnB artist, with the dreamy purple gold haze of 'Love 2 Love', CHAII commanding in a white taffeta cloud for 'We Be Killing It' and Fazerdaze bringing the house down with the shimmering ennui of 'Cherry Pie'. Special shout out to our faves Atomic, who performed a thrilling medley of iconic NZ tracks by women including Julia Deans and Vera Ellen dusting off 'Lydia'. 'My baaaaaaby' never sounded better. Flowers for Fazerdaze Taking out both best solo artist and best album of the year, Fazerdaze aka Amelia Murray finally got her flowers after one hell of a journey through the industry. She was visibly moved as the audience got to their feet in a standing ovation, including a very cute supportive Kris Jenner moment from her pal and stylist Rose Hope. 'I'm very overwhelmed in a really nice way, this feels like a dream,' Murray said. 'I've been doing this for 10 years and tonight I've won my first music awards.' Our insider had this to say: 'Fazerdaze! Incredible. So much love for her tonight. Felt like being at the launch pad of a rocket.' Lorde (and now honorary NZer Charli xcx) won single of the year Fresh out of the YMCA toilets and having just released her bare-torsoed, dirt-laden music video for 'Man of the Year', Ella Yelich-O'Connor took the stage to accept the Tui for single of the year for the 'girl, so confusing' remix with Charli xcx. 'It happened incredibly quickly and it truly changed my life,' said Yelich O'Connor on the collaboration, before thanking all the women in the industry who paved the way for her: 'it's hard to have these hard conversations as women but its easier if you do it.' Although there was still no acknowledgement of the New Zealander who said she walked like a bitch, Lorde also gave a shout out to Stan Walker's powerful performance. 'I want to say thank you to Stan, that was so moving,' she said. 'Watching from overseas this year as te reo Māori is defended the way that it is is so inspiring for me, it's so beautiful.' Explicitly addressing the sequin lion t-shirt types in the room, she then went on to say this: 'are we going to honour that treaty or what?' Six60 are so popular they had to make up an award for them The lads took the stage to accept the inaugural and definitely real 'Charts Icon' award, as Rickard listed off some truly ridiculous numbers and milestones. Four number one albums. 586 weeks in the singles charts. 1232 weeks in the album charts. Their albums have been certified platinum 38 times over, and their singles 48 times. They also won highest selling artist of the year, a prize that was previously won by acts such as Six60, Six60, Six60 and Six60 for the last seven years. 'I don't know if hold music is part of the charts, but that's probably why we are standing here,' joked Chris Mac. 'And for that, I apologise.' There was an amazing closing medley It began with Don McGlashan picking his way slowly through fallen leaves, and it ended with Troy Kingi absolutely shredding his way through 'Slice of Heaven'. The all star supergroup anthem to close the show was celebrating 60 years of the local music awards and 50 years of local music charts (what happened in that first decade?) and it did not disappoint. I'm talking Savage coming out for 'Swing', soon joined by Aaradhna for 'They Don't Know'. I'm talking Hollie Smith belting 'Bathe in the River'. I'm talking How bloody Bizarre. In the words of Vomit Socks frontman Jesse Mulligan, I fucking love New Zealand.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
The Listener's June viewing guide: Robyn Malcolm's new Netflix show, David Attenborough goes to sea, and more
Walking with Dinosaurs Period dramas Screening: TVNZ 1, 7pm, Mondays from June 2 Streaming: TVNZ+. New episodes weekly A long-awaited second series of the 1999 juggernaut BBC natural history series about prehistoric animals, which did for television what Jurassic Park did for the movies. Read.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
The search for truth and justice and the destination it might lead us to
A memorial stone in the remembrance garden for the 270 people who died in the Lockerbie air disaster on December 21, 1988. PHOTO: REUTERS The Lockerbie series that is available on TVNZ+ has recently introduced me to the tragic plane crash in 1988 in southwest Scotland. It's a heart-wrenching watch that reveals the devastation and pain that was inflicted upon so many, for so long. Throughout each episode, we follow Jim Swire, whose daughter died in the crash, as he engages in a relentless pursuit of truth and justice. The show draws out a longing for justice and truth. As I watched it, I found myself pulled along with Jim into a journey which seems to take him into the turbulent political realities that sweep our globe. Truth and justice can be complex matters. Lockerbie demonstrates this, to some extent. Revealing truth in one place can apparently cause carnage elsewhere — depending upon the secret moves and deals that might be afoot at any given time. So in a world like ours, shall we despair of ever fully knowing the truth? Although he struggles with this question, Jim nonetheless chooses to fight, with impressive fortitude, so that he may find the answers he's looking for. But what kind of "truth" is worth such disconnection, from family, self, future? What kind of justice locks you so firmly in the past that you miss the people who need you now, as well as new emerging opportunities for bringing flourishing and life? Jim's noble quest reveals a cruel irony. The reality is that his pursuit of the truth comes at a significant cost. In doing his work of justice-making and truth-seeking, he fails to grieve and he neglects to nurture those who love him and who he holds dear. The show brilliantly captures this tension. We want Jim to succeed, no doubt. The victims deserve the truth, the nations need accountability. But, is there a point when seeking the truth becomes its own form of blindness? Sadly, we come to see that in pursuing truth about his daughter's death, Jim increasingly isolates himself from his living family. As time goes on, other aspects of his life fray and fragment. Has he just wasted 20 years, fully by his own foolishness? As a Christian watching this, I'm struck by how Jim's dilemma shines a light on something profound about truth itself. Jesus, who claimed to be truth personified, pursued it through relationship, not despite it. Jesus embodied a different way to live. He spoke truth precisely because of his love for people, not despite loving them. He confronted religious leaders while dining with outcasts. Truth and relationship weren't competing values, they were deeply linked. I believe that Jesus carries a vision which weaves truth and justice together, with love as the binding cord. Relationships are the place where love is meant to flourish, starting with our connection with God, who makes us whole, moving into our relationships with one another, and extending outward in a growing circle of transformation. Like Jim, all of us can and should seize the initiative, seeking truth and justice in the places and communities we live in — and beyond. But we would be wise to realise that bold action alone is not enough. Truth is related to love, as Jim began to discover once again. We must live for the future, staying connected with the people around us. We must live, and love, and forgive, and begin again. This, too, is the work of Christ, the work of accepting, receiving and bringing new life. Jim's story challenges us. How do we pursue justice while staying present to those we love? Perhaps it starts small, like by speaking honestly in difficult conversations, standing up for someone who's being treated unfairly or simply choosing to listen deeply before rushing to judgement. Perhaps the key is pursuing these actions in ways that build rather than break relationships, recognising that sustained truth-telling requires sustained connection. The deepest truth might be this: we need both the courage to fight for what's right and the wisdom to do it in love, not despite it. And to what end? Truth and justice, bound together by a fierce love that will not be overcome. ■Tom Mepham is minister of Student Soul.
1News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- 1News
L.A.B to scoop prestigious tūi at Aotearoa Music Awards
Beloved Kiwi act L.A.B have scooped a prestigious tūi ahead of the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards. The reggae group have been awarded the Te Manu Mātārae tūi in recognition of 2024 as a phenomenal year for the band. The group – which boasts five of the top 10 most played tracks on New Zealand radio – will pick up the award at tomorrow's event in Auckland. L.A.B are also finalists for the Te Tino Pukaemi o te Tau | Album of the Year and Te Tino Kāhui Manu Taki o te Tau | Best Group awards. The In the Air hitmakers have also been announced as part of an impressive line-up at the awards show, joining Aaradhna, Anna Coddington, Fazerdaze and Stan Walker. ADVERTISEMENT The show kicks off at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland at 6pm. The awards show can be streamed on TVNZ+ on Friday evening.
