Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne

Bio

Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne is a Māori Storyteller who is of Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tūhoe descent, she grew up on the East Coast attending Te Kohanga Reo o Itinoa and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kawakawa mai Tawhiti.  After completing school, Tioreore auditioned and was accepted into New Zealand’s leading drama school Toi Whakaari where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Acting (BA) in 2020.  

Tioreore is well known for her roles in feature films such as Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Kahu), Cousins (Adult Makareta) and Whina (Teenage Whina).  Series include We are still here (Te Mauniko), Mystic (Maia) and Kairākau (Ruamahu).   September 2023 will see Tioreore once again grace the big screen with the premiere of her latest feature Film The Convert at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival).  Directed by Lee Tamahori, the film showcases Tioreore's exceptional talent as she stars alongside the acclaimed Australian lead actor, Guy Pearce.

Tioreore has also discovered a passion for creating her own work and most recently wrote, directed, and starred in her debut short film E Rangi Rā (Paea) supported by Māoriland Film. Her hopes and aspirations are to break the stereotypical way Māori are portrayed by decolonizing the screen and spaces. Above all, to make her Māori whanau, hapu, and iwi proud.