Ko wai tēnei? is a series profiling inspirational Māori in Aotearoa and beyond. Today, we get to know South Auckland filmmaker Taniora Ormsby.

As one of Aotearoa’s most promising young filmmakers, Taniora Ormsby is a writer-director whose work blends craft, courage and a distinctly Māori lens. Raised in Tāmaki Makaurau and trained at South Seas Film School, he’s already carving out a name for himself on the festival circuit. His 2022 short Maharahara – created for the Someday Film Challenge – picked up multiple awards in the challenge, including the standout winner and whakatipuranga titles. His latest film, Devil in the Gat, is part of the 2025 Day One Shorts programme. Blending music, ambition and a touch of the supernatural, it’s about an aspiring musician who finds fame’s dark secrets through a forgotten singer.

Ko wai koe? Nō hea koe?

I am Taniora Ormsby, a Māori filmmaker born and raised in South Auckland, Papakura. I whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Tainui.

What’s the kaupapa that drives you right now?

As a Māori filmmaker, I feel a responsibility to tell interesting and engaging stories that highlight my culture and create opportunities for us to be seen in different contexts. To me, it’s important to broaden our horizons in the projects we make, so Māori and Pasifika people are represented as part of the status quo. That line of thought inspired my latest film, Devil in the Gat – a Māori horror story influenced by American folklore.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Two come to mind. The first was from my koro. When I was young, he told me: “It’s best to do things right the first time.” Simple, but effective. It taught me to be patient, take care in what I do, and give everything my best to ensure success.

The second came from my mentor. Early in my filmmaking journey, I was used to wearing multiple hats – doing as much as I could and often more than I could handle. He gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me: “Trust your team to do their jobs, so you can do yours.”

It was like a light switch flicked on. I was lucky to work alongside like-minded, talented individuals, and I needed to trust them to fulfil their roles so I could focus on mine. That single, simple piece of advice has helped me immensely – and I’ve passed it on.

What’s one challenge you’ve had to overcome on your journey?

There have been many challenges in my journey. Not massive, Sisyphean hurdles – just a collection of small ones. It’s the little twists and turns that have tested me, the constant need to pivot and adapt. Staying on the path of progress without getting caught in the weeds has been its own challenge.

Battles with mental health, rejections and life – they’ve all been recurring. But what’s kept me going is the love and support of my friends and whānau. That steady encouragement has been my anchor. With their support, I manage to keep going.

What’s a moment you’re really proud of?

I’m particularly proud of where I am and how far I’ve gotten in my journey so far. If my younger self could see me now, he’d be amazed.

What does success look like to you?

Success to me is being able to do what I love for a living – without the constant week-to-week struggle. It’s having my friends and whānau striving alongside me, supporting each other as we grow. It’s writing and directing my own films, telling stories that matter. And one day,  making a feature film.

Who are three people you admire and why?

I admire my grandparents. They’ve worked hard and sacrificed so much to get to where they are. It’s only because of their years of mahi that I’ve been able to pursue a creative profession. They laid the foundation – working so that I could have opportunities they never had.

What keeps you grounded?

What keeps me grounded is my family and friends. I’m deeply aware of how privileged I am to have such incredible support behind me, and I try to stay grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given. Their presence reminds me of where I come from, and why I do what I do.

What’s one whakaaro you want to leave our readers with?

He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai. If kindness is sown, kindness you shall receive.

Where are you at the marae hui? In the whare or in the kitchen?

Kitchen – probably got roped in making cuppas.

You can watch Devil in the Gat here.