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TMH Management - Poroaki Merritt-McDonald

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
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Poroaki Merritt-McDonald


Poroaki Merritt-McDonald is a rising star in New Zealand’s entertainment industry, captivating audiences and critics alike with his versatile performances. At just 21 years old, he is already being hailed as the next major Kiwi actor, boasting significant roles in films such as Muru and Savage, as well as television series including Kairākau and The Gone. His theater debut in the powerful play Little Black Bitch further showcased his ability to bring complex narratives to life. He will be on our screens in 2025 in KōKa, Season 2 of The Gone and Netflix's Hourglass.

Poroaki's breakthrough came with the lead role in the short film My Brother Mitchell, a project deeply rooted in the director's personal experiences. This marked the beginning of his journey into acting, igniting a passion that has since grown into a thriving career. His role in Muru was particularly transformative, allowing him to embody a critical story of resistance and cultural pride, which resonated deeply with New Zealand audiences and beyond. Muru, made with a production budget of approximately NZD $5 million, garnered international attention and acclaim, becoming one of the most successful Kiwi films in recent years.

Similarly, Savage, which explores New Zealand’s gang culture and social history, was a testament to the power of local storytelling. With a production budget of NZD $3.2 million, the film premiered at prestigious festivals such as the BFI London Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, gaining accolades for its fresh perspective. Savages cultural impact was significant, earning praise for its raw and emotional storytelling.

Poroaki's television success includes The Gone, a gripping crime drama that achieved considerable popularity both in New Zealand and Ireland. Its strong viewership and critical reception highlight his growing influence on the global stage.

"The Gone," a New Zealand-Ireland co-production, is distributed internationally by Acorn TV, a leading streaming platform specialising in mystery and drama content. In New Zealand, the series was released by TVNZ+ in May 2023, and it reached global audiences through Acorn TV and Prime Video.

In addition to his acting achievements, Poroaki was selected as the New Zealand Youth Ambassador for FestPAC 2024, a role that reflects his dedication to advancing indigenous narratives and empowering the next generation of performers. He continues to inspire others, embracing the demanding nature of the industry while championing the transformative power of storytelling.

For specific information on production and distribution companies, Muru was distributed by New Zealand Film Commission, while Savage was backed by XYZ Films and Madman Entertainment.


Uno Mag Article

Creative NZ



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AWARDS

2014: Kapa Haka - Won best leader for Kapa Haka Group - Regionals


Year
Production
Part
Production Company
Director

FEATURE FILM

2024
Matewa Media and Walt Disney Animation Studios
Bruno ( Lead )
Encanto
Tweedie Waititi
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
Todd Karehana

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