Kiwi Director Lee Tamahori Dies at 75 After Battle with Parkinson’s Disease

Auckland, New Zealand – Acclaimed Kiwi film director Lee Tamahori passed away at the age of 75 after battling Parkinson’s disease. He died peacefully at home on November 7, surrounded by his family, including his long-time partner Justine and his children Sam, Max, Meka, and Tané.

Tamahori’s family released a statement celebrating his legacy. They stated, “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.” They remembered him as a charismatic leader who championed Māori talent in the film industry.

Born in Wellington in 1950, Tamahori began his career as a boom operator in the late 1970s before transitioning to directing. His breakthrough came with the release of the powerful 1994 film, Once Were Warriors, based on Alan Duff’s book. The film provoked discussions about domestic violence in urban Māori families and secured its place as a classic of New Zealand cinema.

In addition to his directorial debut, Tamahori directed several notable films, including Die Another Day, The Edge, and the independent film The Devil’s Double. “From his groundbreaking debut Once Were Warriors to his recent epic The Convert, Lee’s storytelling brought Māori culture and New Zealand voices to global audiences with power and authenticity,” the New Zealand Film Commission wrote in a tribute.

Despite facing some controversies, including a 2006 arrest in Los Angeles, Tamahori maintained a strong presence in the film world. He continued to direct, with his final feature film, The Convert, released in March 2022.

Friends and colleagues will gather to pay their respects during the tangihanga at Te Mahurehure Marae in Point Chevalier, Auckland, from 10:30 a.m. on November 9. Following this ceremony, Tamahori’s whānau will travel to Te Tairāwhiti for a private farewell.