Renae Maihi
Consultation
L to R: Chelsea Winstanley, Katie Wolfe, Briar Grace-Smith, Paula Whetu-Jones, Ainsley Gardiner, Renae Maihi, Casey Kaa, Awanui Simich-Pene.
Screenplay Development
Great scripts are built through strong development.
Drawing on more than twenty years as a writer, director and script consultant, Renae helps writers strengthen story structure, character, dialogue, emotional impact and thematic clarity.
Having taught screenwriting internationally and worked with writers across Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada and the Cook Islands, she provides honest, practical feedback tailored to where your project is in its development.
Whether you're preparing for funding, production or your next draft, every consultation is designed to move your screenplay forward with confidence.
Testimonials
"In 2018 Renae came to Ottawa, Canada to teach a Masterclass on filmmaking as part of The Asinabka Film Festival. I learned more in two hours with Renae than I did in three months on a previous course. I definitely recommend her for all things filmmaking."
– Anonymous Feedback, Ottawa First Nations Masterclass Participant
"I worked alongside Renae in 2018 as the co-consultant for Script to Screen in Northland. I'm not sure how she did it but within 2 hours she had helped a young writer outline his entire short film and the story that resulted was strong. Additionally, Renae is a powerful storyteller with a singular and compelling voice. Her films have left me in tears, and her fearless commitment to fight for the things she believes in is extraordinary. I highly recommend her skills."
– Michael Bennett
Writer, Director, Producer
"I asked my friend Renae to read my feature film screenplay and deliver notes. The notes I received from her were exceptional. I applied them and, the following year with my writing partner we won a major NZWG award for best feature film screenplay. I definitely recommend her skills."
– Siobhan Marshall
Actress, Writer, Director
Cultural Consultation
Authentic Indigenous storytelling begins with respectful relationships.
Renae advises producers, writers and production companies on culturally appropriate approaches to Indigenous stories, communities and creative collaboration.
With formal training in Māori performing arts, experience serving on the National Executive Board of the Directors & Editors Guild of New Zealand, and decades working across Indigenous film internationally, she provides practical guidance that supports both creative excellence and cultural integrity.
Services range from early story development through to production consultation, helping projects engage with Māori knowledge, communities and cultural advisors in ways that are respectful, meaningful and authentic.
Facilitating
Authentic
Indigenous
Connection
