Anahera Parata - Director, Mother, Daughter

21 Mar

Anahera Parata is a mother, daughter, cousin, friend, and a film producer with a passion ignited by the magic of storytelling. Anahera is committed to empowering her people and propelling them into the captivating world of film. This story begins at a little Kura Kaupapa in Auckland City, called Maungawhau - now known as

Ngā Maungarongo. Anahera was raised in both Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Hurihuri under the bright lights of film production.

Anahera Parata is the granddaughter of Erinora Wi Neera and Joe Parata, daughter of Hyrum Parata and Lisa Holder. Her mum Lisa is a senior editor and was trained by pioneering film-maker Don Selwyn. The editing room was Anahera’s playground and this would eventually lead to her to getting a part-time job after school, working for Māori TV.

Later, a move to Hawaii to study fine arts would be the beginning of Anahera’s “world tour”. Anahera has worked in media for 20 years and has been fortunate to have worked on ground-breaking programs locally and internationally; she has worked in the U.S, Buenos Aires, across the Pacific and most recently Dubai where her series Million Dollar Listing’ was the number 1 streamed show in the MENA region. Back home in Aotearoa in her own backyard, she is preparing for a second season of ‘Hui Hoppers’, which is filmed at Hongoeka Marae.

Anahera is quick to point out though that the filmmaking industry isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Long hours, no weekends or public holidays which isn’t for everyone BUT you do have access to opportunities and experiences that you'd never get in any other industry.

She loves being able to travel the world through mahi but most of all love the exposure to different cultures and communities.

What inspires you?

Anahera says that she is inspired by her peers and feels lucky to be supported by Ainsley Gardiner (producer of Boy) and other esteemed Māori filmmakers.

Being a city-bound Māori is different to having the sensibilities of growing up on your papakainga. Her father has a strong connection to his Ngāti Toa whānau at Takapūwāhia and to her grandfather’s people at Whakarongotai. And mother is from Taranaki but raised in Tamaki. Anahera draws inspiration from her whānau, currently residing in Porirua she is grateful to have been welcomed home.

What are the struggles you face as a Māori filmmaker and producer?

Protecting the integrity of Māori stories. She reports that audiences have a growing appetite for indigenous-led kaupapa which is great, but it puts our stories at risk of exploitation.

Do you write your own scripts?

It depends on the project. She develops her own programme ideas and by default has become a scriptwriter. It's a team effort with all key creatives collaborating on script development.

What do you like most about the film/movie/industry? Being able to flex her creative muscles and that every project is varied. No one day is the same. It is definitely a high-pressure, high stress environment that requires a certain personality type. But the creative sector is full of incredible people who have interesting life experiences to contribute.

What are some of the downfalls?

The media industry is a lot more stressful than it needs to be. I often have to remind myself that our mahi doesn't save people’s lives.

Favorite film/movie/series?

Documentary - 13th by Ava DuVernay and United Skates by Tina Brown. Both were Directed by Wāhine.

Short Film - Liliu by Jeremiah Tauamiti and Two Cars, One Night by Taika Waititi

Film - anything by Spike Lee

How do you manage being a māmā while holding down mahi as a film producer?

Anahera was blessed with a daughter, Anahera Te Awatea Parata who is now 17. Being able to take Te Awatea on location has been a great way for them to see the world. Having whanau support is really important, she cannot do her job without her whanau supporting them both.

Tips and suggestions for those wanting to get into the industry, particularly for our young budding Ngāti Toa creatives?

Look for training and internship opportunities. Music videos and short films are all really good stepping stones to the big screen. She encourages any Ngāti Toa whānau keen on the industry to get in touch with her.

What’s on the horizon for you in terms of mahi?

For those who haven’t managed to watch Hui Hoppers – a short series shot on location at Hongoeka, you’re missing out. Hui Hoppers 2 is set to start shooting in a few months. She has a reality series in development about cuzzies growing up in the pā and a feature film on the cards. Watch Hui Hoppers now on TVNZ https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/hui-hoppers

Final kupu or a whakatauki that resonates with you?

Tangata ākona i te whare, tūnga ki te marae, tau ana.