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 all the time within the arts and the opposite firmly rooted in defending her Māori tradition. Earlier than absolutely committing to performing, she explored the world of dance in Australia, nearly by likelihood, and turned that have right into a luminous chapter of her life. Years later, her vocation discovered a pure residence in entrance of the digicam, 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 position in “Chief of Conflict,” the extremely anticipated Apple TV+ sequence 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 advised by and for Polynesian peoples, highlighting the significance of maintaining 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 sudden 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 considering attempting out for her dance firm. My mother had desires of being an expert dancer when she was younger, so it was her dream, and I explored what that chance needed to supply. I’m so glad that I did; these years had been a number of the highlights of my 20s.
You’ve had standout roles in New Zealand sequence, like Breakwater (2022). In what methods do you assume that position ready you for a manufacturing like Chief of Conflict?
Although I booked Breakwater in NZ, it was really 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 bought to try this earlier than Chief of Conflict. It helped me perceive how the business labored within the US and made my transition to Chief of Conflict that a lot simpler. Movie and tv are technically related, irrespective of the place you study to play, however the nuance of the world we work in is exclusive to the nation, so it was a giant change coming from Aotearoa.
In Chief of Conflict, you play Kupuohi, the spouse of Kaʻiana (Jason Momoa). What drew you to this character and the dynamic between her and Kaʻiana?
I bear in mind studying the script, the very first audition, and once I learn Kupuohi, she sang to me. I used to be enamored by this girl who may maintain love and energy in a method that I had solely seen in my very own group. There was an authenticity I had skilled however by no means seen, and that excited me! Right here was a lady who actually embodied the feminine expertise from an indigenous perspective, and I wished to see all the pieces! 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 sequence, which premiered on August 1, 2025, is about in late 18th-century Hawai‘i and advised from an indigenous perspective. What does it imply to you to be a part of this historic narrative with a predominantly Polynesian solid?
As Taika Waititi stated in his Oscar-winning speech, “We’re the unique storytellers.” Indigenous individuals all over the world have stored their historical past and tradition alive by means of conventional storytelling. To take that custom and convey it into the brand new medium of storytelling whereas sustaining its authenticity is not any small feat. That is the results of a number of generations of indigenous individuals all over the world combating to take care of our traditions. It’s due to them we stand right here in the present day, and it’s for them that we’ll proceed to carry extra indigenous tales to the world.
The trailer exhibits intense scenes and putting cinematography. What challenges did you face filming in areas 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 means of some critical weather-related challenges… Drought, volcanic eruption, cyclones. However actually, it added to it! The indigenous expertise is felt by means of the land, the water, and the dwelling world round us. That’s what it means to stay authentically from the indigenous perspective, so to try this by means of the method felt proper. Loopy typically, however we stored one another alive within the problem, and it made for some nice laughs on set!
Jason Momoa is deeply invested on this sequence; 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 inventive side?
As an artist, it’s all the time thrilling to be a part of a ardour mission. There’s a function to it, a substance that’s constructed out of full obsession and exploration. That’s what this mission was, and it had all the pieces to do with Jason’s management. His dedication to his individuals meant we had full entry to each piece of supply materials, and that’s GOLD. That’s an actor’s dream! It builds the muse 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 mission.
What was probably 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 means of season one, and it was agreed she can be the voice of purpose in each situation, in each confrontation. And I struggled with that. How may I justify her not shedding her shit? I used to be raised by a Polynesian/Pacifica girl who didn’t take shit. They had 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 individuals 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 might need a special reply. I hope so, HA!
Was there a second throughout filming that personally moved or marked you?
There was a second after we relocated to Hawai’i Island (Massive Island) to movie a battle that came about throughout a volcanic eruption. The night we landed to movie, Mauna Loa really 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 had 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.
Outdoors of performing, you’re keen about indigenous activism, place of origin safety, yoga, working, and cooking. How do you combine these passions into your life, and what message would you wish to share with the viewers?
I feel the great thing about this business is that you’ve got free time while you’re ready for the following mission. 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 offers me function when the work has dried up. House to provide again and share the second with my group 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.
Wanting 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 simply 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 only cost forward, giving each alternative my all and trusting that no matter is true for me will discover me if I keep true to the work. I wouldn’t thoughts enjoying 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 lovely challenges for me up to now, and I’m excited to see what new challenges await me subsequent.
images/Robert Trathen
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