Born in Gisborne, New Zealand, Te Ao o Hinepehinga (pronounced as ‘TEE’) has carved a singular and highly effective inventive path. Her story started on the crossroads of dance and activism, with one foot at all times within the arts and the opposite firmly rooted in defending her Māori tradition. Earlier than totally committing to performing, she explored the world of dance in Australia, nearly by probability, and turned that have right into a luminous chapter of her life. Years later, her vocation discovered a pure dwelling in entrance of the digital camera, the place she has already left her mark on productions like Breakwater and Head Excessive.
We sat down with Te Ao o to speak about her function in “Chief of Struggle,” the extremely anticipated Apple TV+ collection led by Jason Momoa, through which she performs Kupuohi, the spouse of Kaʻiana. All through the dialog, Te Ao o additionally mirrored on what it means to be a part of a narrative informed by and for Polynesian peoples, highlighting the significance of conserving alive the custom of storytelling from inside.
Inform us a bit about your beginnings: What led you from dancing in Australia to pursuing performing after graduating with a level within the Arts?
Dance was an surprising detour. I went to Australia in hopes of exploring their movie and TV business, and a dancer I occurred to be working with on the time requested if I’d be fascinated about attempting out for her dance firm. My mother had goals of being knowledgeable dancer when she was younger, so it was her dream, and I explored what that chance needed to provide. I’m so glad that I did; these years have been among the highlights of my 20s.
You’ve had standout roles in New Zealand collection, like Breakwater (2022). In what methods do you assume that function ready you for a manufacturing like Chief of Struggle?
Although I booked Breakwater in NZ, it was truly my very first worldwide manufacturing. I used to be nonetheless fairly younger on the scene, so I solely had a few years of expertise on a set. Actually, I’m actually glad I obtained to do this earlier than Chief of Struggle. It helped me perceive how the business labored within the US and made my transition to Chief of Struggle that a lot simpler. Movie and tv are technically comparable, regardless of the place you study to play, however the nuance of the world we work in is exclusive to the nation, so it was an enormous change coming from Aotearoa.
In Chief of Struggle, you play Kupuohi, the spouse of Kaʻiana (Jason Momoa). What drew you to this character and the dynamic between her and Kaʻiana?
I keep in mind studying the script, the very first audition, and after I learn Kupuohi, she sang to me. I used to be enamored by this girl who might maintain love and energy in a approach that I had solely seen in my very own neighborhood. There was an authenticity I had skilled however by no means seen, and that excited me! Right here was a girl who actually embodied the feminine expertise from an indigenous perspective, and I wished to see all the things! I by no means imagined somebody would let me stay her journey. I couldn’t be extra honored and grateful to inform her story.
The collection, which premiered on August 1, 2025, is about in late 18th-century Hawai‘i and informed from an indigenous perspective. What does it imply to you to be a part of this historic narrative with a predominantly Polynesian forged?
As Taika Waititi mentioned in his Oscar-winning speech, “We’re the unique storytellers.” Indigenous folks world wide have saved their historical past and tradition alive by conventional storytelling. To take that custom and convey it into the brand new medium of storytelling whereas sustaining its authenticity isn’t any small feat. That is the results of a number of generations of indigenous folks world wide combating to keep up our traditions. It’s due to them we stand right here immediately, and it’s for them that we’ll proceed to deliver extra indigenous tales to the world.
The trailer reveals intense scenes and hanging cinematography. What challenges did you face filming in places that may be each bodily demanding and emotionally intense, particularly for you, as an indigenous activist who understands the sacred worth of the land?
I imply, this present went by some severe weather-related challenges… Drought, volcanic eruption, cyclones. However actually, it added to it! The indigenous expertise is felt by the land, the water, and the dwelling world round us. That’s what it means to stay authentically from the indigenous perspective, so to do this by the method felt proper. Loopy typically, however we saved one another alive within the problem, and it made for some nice laughs on set!
Jason Momoa is deeply invested on this collection; he known as it his Polynesian Braveheart and is concerned as creator, author, actor, producer, and director. What was it like working alongside somebody with such a powerful presence in each artistic side?
As an artist, it’s at all times thrilling to be a part of a ardour undertaking. There’s a objective to it, a substance that’s constructed out of full obsession and exploration. That’s what this undertaking was, and it had all the things to do with Jason’s management. His dedication to his folks meant we had full entry to each piece of supply materials, and that’s GOLD. That’s an actor’s dream! It builds the inspiration of the world we get to stay in. Questions have solutions, and leaders need the reality. It’s not nearly telling a narrative; it’s about bringing a complete world to life. That’s what it meant to have a Kanaka Maoli on the head of this undertaking.
What was essentially the most difficult or emotional scene for you whereas portraying Kupuohi?
Her endurance was a problem. There have been early discussions on her journey by season one, and it was agreed she can be the voice of motive in each situation, in each confrontation. And I struggled with that. How might I justify her not shedding her shit? I used to be raised by a Polynesian/Pacifica girl who didn’t take shit. They have been sincere, uncooked, and open; that they had no drawback telling you while you wanted to drag your head in. However nothing about that have was level-headed; it was vicious and uncooked. Kupuohi chooses folks over her personal emotions, and with that comes a level-headedness that I’ve but to find. Possibly that comes with age. Ask me once more in 10 years, and I may need a unique reply. I hope so, HA!
Was there a second throughout filming that personally moved or marked you?
There was a second once we relocated to Hawai’i Island (Massive Island) to movie a battle that befell throughout a volcanic eruption. The night we landed to movie, Mauna Loa truly erupted for the primary time in 75 years. It was as if Pele herself had awoken to say, “That is my story, and I’m right here.” It was a reminder that our tipuna and atua have been watching and guiding the journey of this manufacturing, and that introduced me nice consolation as a result of I knew they’d maintain us true to the mission of this manufacturing.
Exterior of performing, you’re keen about indigenous activism, fatherland safety, yoga, operating, and cooking. How do you combine these passions into your life, and what message would you prefer to share with the viewers?
I believe the fantastic thing about this business is that you’ve free time while you’re ready for the subsequent undertaking. And to my fellow actors, I do know that sounds insane, however there may be nothing worse than ready to know when your subsequent job will come. I’ve discovered to create alternative within the quiet. It’s what retains me alive and provides me objective when the work has dried up. House to offer again and share the second with my neighborhood and provides again to the individuals who helped me get to the place I’m. There may be little on this enterprise that’s inside your management, however the way you select to spend that point is your resolution alone. There may be energy in that; don’t waste it.
Trying forward, what tasks or aspirations are on the horizon for you? Will you proceed combining performing and activism? Is there a dream, on display screen or in your advocacy, that you just nonetheless hope to meet?
I don’t know what’s subsequent for me. I let go of expectations a very long time in the past and have chosen to simply cost forward, giving each alternative my all and trusting that no matter is correct for me will discover me if I keep true to the work. I wouldn’t thoughts taking part in on a movie set and studying how issues work to inform tales on the silver display screen. Moreover, I like attempting new issues, testing the boundaries of my performing, and seeing what comes of it. Life has supplied stunning challenges for me to date, and I’m excited to see what new challenges await me subsequent.
photographs/Robert Trathen
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