Merata Mita

Biography

Merata Mita was a New Zealand actress and filmmaker who played a pivotal role in growing the Māori screen industry. She directed and wrote the critically acclaimed film Mauri (1988), becoming the first indigenous woman to do so. Mita's early work as a liaison person with foreign film crews led to her discovery of filmmaking, which eventually became a passion project. Her contributions paved the way for future generations of Māori filmmakers.