Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Māori storytelling as End of the Valley debuts on MĀORI+ on March 6, 2025. This highly anticipated drama, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Aotearoa (New Zealand), weaves together themes of family, cultural identity, and resilience. The series follows the intertwined lives of the Kohatu and Williams whānau (families) as they navigate ancestral legacies, modern challenges, and the fight to protect their whenua (land). With its blend of taut emotional drama and stunning visuals, End of the Valley promises to be a landmark in indigenous storytelling.
Featuring a powerhouse ensemble of Aotearoa’s finest Māori actors, the series highlights the depth and diversity of talent within New Zealand’s screen industry. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the cast brings authenticity and heart to this gripping saga. Directed with a keen eye for cultural nuance, End of the Valley is more than a show—it’s a celebration of Māori voices, history, and the unbreakable bonds that define community.
Step Into End of the Valley: Meet the Cast Members
– Roimata Fox as Ngahuia Kohatu
Roimata Fox, a stalwart of Māori screen and stage, takes center stage as Ngahuia Kohatu, the matriarch grappling with her family’s legacy. Born and raised in Tauranga, New Zealand, Fox has been a trailblazer in indigenous storytelling, with roles in acclaimed series like Shortland Street and The Brokenwood Mysteries. Her portrayal of strong, culturally anchored women earned her the 2022 NZ Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in The Strength of Water.
Beyond acting, Fox is a passionate advocate for Māori language revitalization, often weaving te reo Māori into her projects. Her recent work in the historical drama Waikato (2023) showcased her ability to balance stoicism and vulnerability—a duality that will define Ngahuia’s struggle to unite her whānau in End of the Valley.
– Miriama Smith as Kahu Williams
Miriama Smith, born in 1976 in Rotorua, brings her formidable talent to the role of Kahu Williams, a lawyer torn between urban ambitions and her rural roots. Smith’s career spans decades, from her breakout role in Whale Rider (2002) to her Emmy-nominated performance in The Almighty Johnsons (2011–2013). Her versatility shines in both gritty dramas like Outrageous Fortune and comedies like Step Dave.
A graduate of Toi Whakaari drama school, Smith is also a respected theatre director, staging works that amplify Māori narratives. In End of the Valley, Kahu’s journey mirrors Smith’s off-screen advocacy for bridging traditional and contemporary Māori identities.
– Vanessa Rare as Mercia
Vanessa Rare, a rising star from Ōtautahi (Christchurch), steps into the role of Mercia, a shrewd outsider whose arrival disrupts the valley’s equilibrium. Rare gained recognition in the dystopian series The Wilds (2020–2022) and the indie film Pork Pie (2017), where her sharp wit and emotional range stood out.
Trained in both screen and haka performance, Rare infuses Mercia with a magnetic intensity. Her off-screen work mentoring rangatahi (youth) in acting workshops underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of Māori storytellers.
– Antonio Te Maioha as Anaru
Antonio Te Maioha, a veteran of New Zealand cinema, portrays Anaru, a stoic elder guarding ancient secrets. Born in Auckland, Te Maioha’s career includes iconic roles in Once Were Warriors (1994) and The Dead Lands (2014), where his commanding presence cemented him as a titan of Māori film.
A fluent speaker of te reo Māori, Te Maioha has championed indigenous narratives through his production company, Māoritanga Films. His role as Anaru—a bridge between past and present—reflects his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation.
– Evander Brown as Te Urikore
Evander Brown, a fresh face from Ngāti Porou, makes his television debut as Te Urikore, a rebellious teen seeking his place in the world. Brown honed his craft at Te Pou Theatre, earning praise for his raw performance in the play Taki Rua (2023).
Though new to screen, Brown’s grounding in kapa haka and Mau rākau (Māori martial arts) brings authenticity to Te Urikore’s physical and emotional journey. His casting signals the series’ commitment to discovering untapped talent.
– Lionel Wellington as Raupo
Lionel Wellington, known for his work in The Dark Horse (2014) and Waru (2017), embodies Raupo, a conflicted leader torn between progress and tradition. Wellington’s nuanced performances often explore the complexities of Māori masculinity.
A founding member of the theatre collective Tawata Productions, Wellington’s off-stage activism for mental health in Māori communities informs Raupo’s layered arc. His portrayal promises to challenge stereotypes of indigenous leadership.
– Matia Mitai as Kaea Williams
Matia Mitai, a dynamic force in Māori television, plays Kaea Williams, a charismatic but troubled entrepreneur. Mitai gained fame in Shortland Street (2018–2021) and the crime thriller The Gulf (2019–2021), where his intensity captivated audiences.
Mitai’s background in te reo revitalization projects and his role as a presenter on Māori TV’s Kōrero Mai highlight his dual career as an actor and cultural ambassador. Kaea’s ambition mirrors Mitai’s own drive to elevate Māori stories globally.
– Whiu Tomika as Taumata Tahi
Whiu Tomika, a seasoned actor from Ngāpuhi, takes on Taumata Tahi, a mystic guided by ancestral visions. Tomika’s career includes standout roles in Mataku (2002–2005) and The River (2020), where his ethereal screen presence left a lasting impact.
A trained carver and storyteller, Tomika infuses Taumata with a spiritual gravitas rooted in real-life tohunga (expert) traditions. His performance is a masterclass in conveying wisdom without words.
End of the Valley premieres March 6, 2025, exclusively on MĀORI+—a must-watch for anyone passionate about powerful storytelling and the resilience of indigenous voices.
