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Poroaki Merritt-McDonald

Actor


Ethnicity Māori European
Iwi Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne, Ngā Rauru
Height 5' 8" / 175cm
Eye Colour Brown
Hair Colour Brown
Location Auckland
Social

      

Poroaki Merritt-McDonald


Poroaki Merritt-McDonald  has quickly captured the attention of the entertainment world with his remarkable talent. At 20 years old, he is already being hailed as the next big Kiwi actor, having made impressive appearances in acclaimed New Zealand films like "Muru", "Savage," and TV shows like Kairākau, The Gone, along with the theatre play "Little Black Bitch."

After his first audition for the lead role in the short film "My Brother Mitchell," which was deeply connected to the director's personal experience, Poroaki's passion for acting began to grow. With each successful role, his confidence and dedication to the craft expanded. Notably, his involvement in the film "Muru" became a transformative experience, both professionally and personally.

Poroaki's talent and charisma have garnered him opportunities beyond New Zealand. He's signed with a prominent UK talent agency. While he acknowledges the demanding schedule, he embraces the chance to explore his passion for acting and create pathways for others in the process.

He was also the NZ Youth Ambassador for FestPAC 2024.

Uno Mag Article

Creative NZ



 

  Resume

Year
Production
Part
Production Company
Director

FEATURE FILM

2022
Muru
Rusty ( Lead )
Jawbone Pictures
Te Arepa Kahi
2020
Savage
Red
Domino Films
Sam Kelly

SHORT FILM

2016
My Brother Mitchell
Todd Karehana ( Lead )
Jump Film & TV LTD

TELEVISION

2024
Untold Tales of Tūteremoana
Tamatea
Tūteremoana Productions Limited
Hiona Henare
2024
Kōkā (post Production)
Harry
Awa Films Limited
Kath Akuhata-Brown
2024
The Gone Season 1 & 2
Ginge
Southern Light Films
Peter Burger, Hannah Quinn
2024
Shortland Street
Kane Tapsell ( Guest )
South Pacific Pictures
2023
Kairākau Season 2
Tarakawateipu - Old ( Guest )
Velvet Stone Media
Julian Arahanga

THEATRE

2020
Little Black Bitch
Rangi ( Lead )
Tuatara Collective
Jason Te Mete

PRESENTING-EVENTS

2024
Hawaii FestPAC 2024
NZ Youth Ambassador
FestPAC

TRAINING

2020
SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare Globe Theatre Group

  Skills

Accent
American - Urban | Māori | Pacific Islander
Dancing
General movement | Break Dancing | Hip Hop | Maori
Driving
Go-karting
Horse
Horse riding
Language
Te Reo Māori
Māori
Kapa Haka | Kapa Haka - Māori Weaponary
Singing
Pop
Sports
Volleyball | Basketball | Boxing | Kapa Haka | Rugby Union | Running/Jogging | Ten Pin Bowling | Touch Football
Water Sports
Body Surfing | Kayaking | Snorkelling | Swimming | Waka Ama