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Ngā Aho Whakaari empowers, promotes and advocates for Māori voices and stories within the Aotearoa New Zealand screen industry.

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Ria Paki
Ngā Aho Whakaari member

Ria Paki

Taupo

About me

Ria Paki nō Ngāti Tūwharetoa. He tangata e ngākaunui ana ki ngā mahi toi, ngā mahi whakaari, ngā mahi a Rēhia. Ria has an extensive background in Māori Performing Arts, having toured and performed across New Zealand throughout her upbringing. She has been a principal dancer and artist performer with Lemi Ponifasio's MAU Dance Company since 2012 and has collaborated with Kasia Pol on projects like Te Whakawhiti, Lung Song, and HUI, expanding her artistic practice into multidisciplinary work. As an actress, Ria debuted in Toa Fraser's "The Dead Lands" (2014) and appeared in its spin-off series. She continued to work on feature films such as "MURU," "Whina," "Ka Whawhai Tonu," and the television series "Kairākau" (2023). Ria has also worked as a TV presenter and host in media and television broadcasting. Passionate about storytelling and participating in engaging narratives that are meaningful and transformational, she especially values those that capture the essence of the many threads that weave the fabric of our human and cultural experiences and existence today.

Proficiencies & skills

Talent

Actor, storyteller and activator.

TV Presenter / Host

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Māori Performing Arts

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 2012

Featured work

The Dead Lands

First Wife

MURU

Blake

Ka Whawhai Tonu

Hinepau

Kairākau (2023)

Te Ao Kapurangi