Whina (2022)
The extraordinary true story of Dame Whina Cooper, the Māori matriarch who became the Mother of the Nation.
Whina - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Paula Whetu Jones, James Napier Robertson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Maori
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 23, 2022 (New Zealand - PG), November 3, 2022 (Australia - M)
- Production Companies: GFC Films, Ingenious Media, Rakija Films, WestMark Productions, Te Māngai Pāho
- Production Countries: New Zealand
Whina - Plot
The story of Dame Whina Cooper, the beloved Māori matriarch who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, especially women. Flawed yet resilient, Whina tells the story of a woman formed by tradition, compelled by innovation, and guided by an instinct for equality and justice whose legacy as the Te Whaea o te Motu (Mother of the Nation) was an inspiration to an entire country.
Whina - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of a nation's matriarch unfold:
The mother of the nation.
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Whina - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paula Whetu Jones
- James Napier Robertson
Main Cast
- Rena Owen
- James Rolleston
- Wayne Hapi
- Erroll Shand
- Vinnie Bennett
- Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne
- Jayden Daniels
- Miriama McDowell
- Kali Kopae
- Sarah Valentine
Writers
- James Lucas
- James Napier Robertson
- Paula Whetu Jones
Producers
- Matthew Metcalfe
- Tainui Stephens
Whina - FAQs
What is Whina about?
Whina follows the remarkable life of Dame Whina Cooper, a Māori activist and matriarch who devoted herself to fighting for land rights and the welfare of her people. The film spans decades of her life, portraying her as flawed yet fiercely resilient, and celebrates her enduring legacy as the Mother of the Nation.
Is Whina based on a true story?
Yes, Whina is based on the real life of Dame Whina Cooper (1895–1994), one of New Zealand's most celebrated Māori leaders. She famously led the 1975 Māori Land March from Te Hapua to Wellington, a pivotal moment in New Zealand's history that the film depicts with great emotional weight.
Who plays Dame Whina Cooper in the film?
Rena Owen portrays the older Whina Cooper, while Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne plays her as a teenager and Miriama McDowell takes on the younger adult years. Together, the three actresses bring a layered, multigenerational portrait of this extraordinary woman to life across the film's sweeping timeline.
What is the significance of the 1975 Land March?
The 1975 Māori Land March was a nine-day, 1,000-kilometre protest led by Whina Cooper to draw attention to the ongoing loss of Māori land. It united thousands of New Zealanders and became a defining moment in the country's civil rights history, ultimately helping to spark major legislative change around Māori land rights.
Who directed Whina?
Whina was co-directed by Paula Whetu Jones and James Napier Robertson, a New Zealand filmmaking duo who brought both cultural sensitivity and cinematic ambition to the project. Their collaboration ensured the story was told with deep respect for Māori traditions and the legacy of Dame Whina Cooper herself.
Is Whina worth watching?
Absolutely. Whina earned strong praise for its powerful performances—especially from Rena Owen—and its heartfelt portrayal of a towering historical figure. Critics highlighted it as an important piece of New Zealand cinema that brings Māori history and culture to the forefront with dignity, passion, and emotional resonance.
Where was Whina filmed?
Whina was filmed on location throughout New Zealand, capturing the country's stunning landscapes that are so deeply tied to Māori identity and the land rights struggle at the heart of the story. Filming took place across the North Island, including regions significant to Dame Whina Cooper's own life and legacy.
Did Whina win any awards?
Whina received recognition at the New Zealand Film Awards (Ngā Tohu a NZFC), earning nominations across multiple categories including acting and direction. Rena Owen's performance as the elder Whina Cooper was particularly celebrated, drawing widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences in New Zealand and internationally.
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