The Apple TV+ epic drama Chief of War recently wrapped its first season, bringing global audiences an unprecedented story told through the voices of Native Hawaiian culture and language. At the center of the series is rising New Zealand actress Te Ao o Hinepehinga, who stars alongside Jason Momoa in the groundbreaking show.
Born in Gisborne in the Te Tairāwhiti region of Aotearoa, Te was raised in a political family and surrounded by the traditions of her Māori culture. Before acting, she pursued dance, studied music theatre at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts, and worked professionally as a Latin dancer and showgirl in Australia. Eventually, she shifted her focus fully to acting, landing roles in Black Hands, Head High, and Breakwater before making her international breakthrough with Chief of War earlier this summer.
In this episode of Actors With Issues, Te opened up about her journey from a small Māori village to a global streaming platform, her struggles with imposter syndrome, and the responsibility of indigenous storytelling.
Growing Up Surrounded by Art and Culture
“I grew up in a very traditional Māori village where everyone practices the arts in some form: Kapa haka, waiata, stories, all of it,” Te recalled. “The arts have always been a part of my life, just in a different format than today. It’s a beautiful thing to be surrounded by your people and to be raised within your culture with such pride.”
Her upbringing gave her a strong foundation, though she admits that pursuing acting was never about security. “We’re contract workers, really,” she laughed. “There’s nothing about this career choice that is secure. I decided when I was about 15 or 16 that I wanted to be an actor. My mom has always been my biggest advocate. Even when it was hard, when there were years between jobs, she kept saying, ‘Not yet, not yet. Let’s keep going.’”
But her persistence led to learning to be okay with instability and embracing the stretches of time between bookings. “I love being part of a group of artists who recreate reality in fantastical ways. If I wanted to do that, I had to get comfortable with not having security.”
Landing Chief of War and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
When the audition for Chief of War came through, Te admits she didn’t believe she had a shot and had doubts if she should even audition for the role given her non-Hawaiian background. “I thought, this is way too big of a project. I’m a nobody. And I’m Māori… should I really be playing this role?” she said.
Her doubts were eased after conversations with the creative team during the audition process where they were open to questions and her insight. “I asked them, ‘why aren’t you casting only Kanaka for this story?’ And they explained that while that was always the priority, they also recognized the opportunities Aotearoa has given to indigenous storytellers to hone their craft. They wanted to extend the call to the Polynesian community. That was a bloody good answer, so I said, okay, I’m here. Let’s go.”
After booking the role and working on set, imposter syndrome lingered and Te soon learned that she wasn’t the only one going through it. After opening up to her co-star and on-screen sister Mainei Kinimaka, her co-star confided in her, ‘would it make you feel better if I told you I felt the same way? Even as Kanaka, I can’t help but think. Do I have a right to tell my ancestors stories? Is this something that the world deserves to hear? Or is this something that we have to protect and guard from outside manipulation?’
“Hearing that from her I went, ‘oh, this is something we’re all going through,” Te shared. “I hope one day people realize you don’t have to prove your worth as an indigenous person. You carry your ancestors in your veins. You are the result of their sacrifices, and that’s something to celebrate.”
The Responsibility and Power of Indigenous Storytelling
For Te, working on Chief of War has been more than her biggest acting role, it’s a cultural responsibility. “This felt like such a massive win for indigenous storytelling,” she said. “Being the first comes with sacrifices and challenges. But once you do it the first time, the second time is easier, then the third time. And then it just becomes like breathing.”
Te also shared her excitement on how the series may empower Indigenous communities and creators to continue bringing their stories forward for the world to see. “I’m excited for people who may not feel as connected to their heritage [to see the show.] Maybe they’ll hear another’s language and think, ‘that’s beautiful, I can speak mine.’ It’s even inspired me to use more Māori in daily life. Sharing and celebrating other cultures reminds you to share and celebrate your own.”
Her ultimate hope is that the series encourages people from all walks of life to reconnect with their roots. “At the end of the day, we’re all indigenous. Some of our families have been so separated from their heritage that they’ve forgotten it’s there. I hope this inspires people to do a deep dive, find your genealogy, find where your people came from, and be proud of that.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As someone who carved her own path, Te is candid about the realities of starting out in the industry. “Apply for every agency, take every meeting, even if you’re not sure. Every audition, every conversation, it’s all an opportunity to learn more about yourself and the industry,” she said.
She also encourages young actors to find community, whether through crew work or friendships. “Jobs don’t always come, but being on set in any capacity—PA, coffee runner, cast driver—keeps you in the environment you want to be in. You learn, you make friends, and you can pay your bills. Trust me, the industry is hard enough. We don’t need to make enemies of each other. When one of us wins, that’s a win for the whole community.”
When asked to sum up her advice in ten words or less, she offered: “Trust in yourself.”
You can see Te Ao o Hinepehinga on ‘Chief of War’, streaming now on Apple TV+.
