Renae Maihi, of Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāpuhi iwi (tribes) in Aotearoa New Zealand, is a Māori filmmaker whose work blends Indigenous storytelling with bold cinematic craft.

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She grew up in Te Ao Māori—the Māori world—surrounded by the songs, stories, and lands of her people. Her childhood was filled with writing, performing, and recording Hollywood movies on VHS with her twin sisters—a mix of culture and cinema that set her path as a storyteller.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Māori Performing Arts (Drama) and is an alum of the Melbourne Talent Accelerator, New York Film Academy, the Directors & Editors Guild NZ Women’s Incubator, and Berlinale Talents 2024.

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Her whakapapa (genealogy/ancestry) is rich and proud: on her father’s side she descends from Ngāpuhi chief Hongi Hika (her five-times-great-grandfather); on her mother’s side she comes from the Wirihana whānau of Ngāti Whakaue, the eldest descendants of Chief Taekata, the Ariki family of Te Arawa.

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Raised closely by her Ngāti Whakaue grandmother, Renae grew up seeing the strength and dignity of wāhine Māori (Māori women) and the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance—qualities she carries into everything she does.

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As a filmmaker, Renae’s goal is simple: to work with good people and bring Indigenous stories to global audiences with authenticity, heart, and cinematic excellence.

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To explore her journey so far, visit the Body of Works section.