Latest news with #Xena:WarriorPrincess
1News
4 days 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+
1News
20-05-2025
- 1News
Missing Russian stuntman formally identified after two decades
The remains of a Russian stuntman who had been missing for nearly 23 years have been formally identified thanks to useful information sent in by the public, police say. Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on September 10, 2002. Police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve, 400 metres north of Bulli Point at Lake Taupō. There was no sign of Melikov and police established he had not been seen since leaving Auckland two days prior. Before vanishing, he had worked on the locally-produced series Xena: Warrior Princess. On January 9, 2025, police were called to a holiday park at Motutere, just over a kilometre from where Melikov's car was found. Several bones were located near a walking track and police believed them to belong to Melikov, but extensive inquiries were unable to lead to a positive identification. Senior constable Barry Shepherd of the Taupō area search and rescue squad issued an appeal on April 25 which sought images of the Russian stuntman to help identify the partial remains. Two people came forward with photographs which enabled police to formally identify Melikov, he said. "The two photos sent in have shown clear evidence of his gold teeth and clothing he was wearing when he was found. "I want to thank these people for coming forward to allow us to formally identify Artour and provide some closure."
Otago Daily Times
20-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Cold case mystery of missing stuntman solved
Police had issued an appeal to anyone who had pictures of Artour Melikov Photo: Supplied / NZ Police The remains of a Russian stuntman who went missing in New Zealand more than 20 years ago have been formally identified thanks to photos of his gold teeth. Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Police found his vehicle at Jellicoe Reserve near Bulli Point at Lake Taupō, and the car key, his throwing knives, clothing, passport and other documentation were inside. An extensive search for Melikov was unsuccessful. In January, several bones were found near a walking track at Motutere and police were called. They believed the bones were Melikov's but could not identify him or contact his next of kin, so they asked the public for any photos of him to help with identification. Melikov was a stuntman, appearing in Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and police hoped someone who worked with him may have had good photos - especially of his gold teeth. Two people contacted police with photos which helped police formally identify him, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said. "The two photos sent in have shown clear evidence of his gold teeth and clothing he was wearing when he was found. I want to thank these people for coming forward to allow us to formally identify Artour and provide some closure." The case has been referred to the coroner.
Otago Daily Times
19-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Gold teeth help solve cold case mystery
Police had issued an appeal to anyone who had pictures of Artour Melikov Photo: Supplied / NZ Police The remains of a Russian stuntman who went missing in New Zealand more than 20 years ago have been formally identified thanks to photos of his gold teeth. Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Police found his vehicle at Jellicoe Reserve near Bulli Point at Lake Taupō, and the car key, his throwing knives, clothing, passport and other documentation were inside. An extensive search for Melikov was unsuccessful. In January, several bones were found near a walking track at Motutere and police were called. They believed the bones were Melikov's but could not identify him or contact his next of kin, so they asked the public for any photos of him to help with identification. Melikov was a stuntman, appearing in Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and police hoped someone who worked with him may have had good photos - especially of his gold teeth. Two people contacted police with photos which helped police formally identify him, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said. "The two photos sent in have shown clear evidence of his gold teeth and clothing he was wearing when he was found. I want to thank these people for coming forward to allow us to formally identify Artour and provide some closure." The case has been referred to the coroner.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Wintergeddon Returns With Global Stars And A Pop Culture Powerhouse King's Birthday Weekend
Armageddon Expo | May 31 – June 2, 2025 | Auckland Showgrounds Auckland's favourite celebration of fandom returns this King's Birthday Weekend as Wintergeddon brings a stelar line-up of international stars, cosplay royalty, interactive exhibits, gaming and more to the Auckland Showgrounds. Leading the celebrity guest list are four powerhouse names from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming: Ioan Gruffudd, best known as Mr Fantastic in Fantastic Four and the heroic Horatio Hornblower. Renee O'Connor, beloved globally as Gabrielle in Xena: Warrior Princess. Kim Rhodes, a standout in Supernatural as Sheriff Jody Mills. Jeff Ward, breakout star of One Piece and fan-favourite in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. They're joined by a stellar supporting cast including T.J. Thyne (Bones), Aime Donald (M3gan), Neil Fanning (voice of Scooby-Doo) and Kiwi acting legend Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) drops in for an exclusive Sunday panel as well. Cosplay fans are in for a treat with four of the world's biggest cosplayers: Alyson Tabbitha, Rachel Maksy, Vera Chimera and Ridd1e leading panels, judging contests, and showcasing jaw-dropping costume artistry all weekend. New for 2025 is the world-first appearance of CARmageddon – a fully-drivable custom Cadillac inspired by the Batmobile and KITT, complete with scissor-lift turret, voice commands, and a working flux capacitor. Fans can also explore an exclusive Stranger Things costume exhibit featuring original Netflix screen-used wardrobe, and dive into a massive range of activities including: Two national esports tournaments (League of Legends and Marvel Rivals) Minecraft VR Zone Airsoft range and X-Shot battle arena Spookers Horror Hall and Just Dance disco Live music from the Auckland Wind Orchestra Anime screenings, D&D adventures by Questbook, board games from Catan, pinball, wargaming, and cosplay parades
