Miriama Mcdowell

Hailing from Ngāti Hine, Miriama is an artist whose talents span acting, directing, and playwriting, all rooted in Māoritanga. 

 

She's celebrated for her film roles in "No.2” and "The Dark Horse," and the award-winning "The Great Maiden's Blush.” But her role as Younger Whina in “Whina'' last year really showcased her depth as an actress. 

 

On the small screen, Miriama has dazzled audiences with performances in "Head High” (for which she won the NZ TV Awards Best Actress in 2020)  the humorous "Find Me a Māori Bride," and the dystopian drama “This Is Not My Life."

 

Her journey into theatre saw her making a directorial splash with "Ngā Pou Wahine" at Taki Rua Theatre, but it was her Moana Nui version of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Pop Up Globe that really showed her strengths. 

 

Later, her collaboration with the Massive Theatre Company further developed her versatility both behind and in front of the curtain. Her film journey is peppered with accolades, including a stellar act in "No. 2," a Best Actress win at the NZ Film Awards for "The Great Maiden's Blush," and a gripping role in 2021's "Coming Home in the Dark.”

One of the most significant contributions Tame has made was his involvement in the Māori Land Rights movement during the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the key leaders of the group Ngā Tamatoa, which
fought for Māori land rights, language, and cultural recognition.

Tame was instrumental in organizing the historic hīkoi (protest march) to Parliament in 1975,
which helped raise awareness of Māori land rights issues and led to the establishment of the
Waitangi Tribunal.

As an artist, Tame has also made important contributions to the recognition and preservation of
Māori culture. He is known for his innovative and boundary-pushing contemporary art, which
often incorporates Māori symbols and motifs. His art has been exhibited in galleries and
museums around the world and has helped to raise the profile of Māori art and culture on the
global stage.

In recent years, Tame has been involved in efforts to promote reconciliation between Māori and
non-Māori in Aotearoa. He has worked to encourage understanding and dialogue between
different cultures, and has been a strong advocate for the recognition of Te Reo Māori and
tikanga in the education system here in Aotearoa.

Tame and his contribution to Te Reo and land rights have been significant and far-reaching, and
he is widely recognised as a leader and champion of Māori rights and identity.