A man in a navy blue tank top looks at the camera. The text reads "Te Kohe Tuhaka" and "Ko wai tēnei?" on a textured background with small flowers, lines, and arrows.
Te Kohe Tuhaka is well-recognised and respected in the New Zealand arts scene. (Image: supplied. Additional design: The Spinoff).

Āteaabout 10 hours ago

Te Kohe Tuhaka on learning to manage rejection

Ātea editor
A man in a navy blue tank top looks at the camera. The text reads "Te Kohe Tuhaka" and "Ko wai tēnei?" on a textured background with small flowers, lines, and arrows.
Te Kohe Tuhaka is well-recognised and respected in the New Zealand arts scene. (Image: supplied. Additional design: The Spinoff).

From the valleys of Tūhoe to the bright lights of international screens, Te Kohe Tuhaka reflects on rejection, whakapapa, fatherhood, and the deep pull of Tangaroa, in this installment of Ko Wai Tēnei, a series  series profiling inspirational Māori.

Acclaimed actor and producer Te Kohe Tuhaka has been gracing our screens for over two decades. He’s starred in several classics, including Chief of War, Vegas, Shortland St, and The Dead Lands – just to name a few.

Ko wai koe? Nō hea koe? 

Ko Te Kohe Tuhaka toku ingoa, he mokopuna ahau mai ngā whārua o Tūhoe, na pakeke mai au i raro i ngā maunga whakahī o te Tairāwhiti whanui. Kei Tamaki ahau e noho ana. 

What’s the kaupapa that drives you right now?

I’m currently working on my first short film script, where I will be the writer, director and producer. 

A smiling man with folded arms stands outdoors near the ocean, with blue sky and grass in the background. Text in Māori, "Ko Wai Tēnei?" appears in red, green, and gray banners across the image.
Te Kohe Tuhaka was a fan favourite on Celebrity Treasure Island in 2022. (Image: supplied. Additional design: The Spinoff).

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

Don’t let the learning stop with you; if you have the opportunity to impart knowledge, then it’s your responsibility to do so. 

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

Rejection – I’ve had to grow in this space and deal with it. I’ve taught myself to find the tangible positives and areas of growth with every “no” I’ve received. What is for me, is meant to be.

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

Not so much a moment, but I’m proud of all the strong relationships that I have built over the years. My circle of people is really small, so to watch everyone in it rise on the same tide is really special. 

What does success look like to you? 

Success to me is being in the trenches with those closest to me both personally and professionally, and all standing shoulder-to-shoulder when the light of success is shining on you all. 

Who are three people you admire and why? 

My wife, Larissa Tuhaka. The standards she keeps for herself and her selflessness to all those around her is truly inspirational. My mum, for all the trials and tribulations she has had to endure in her life, and coming through them all with absolute unwavering belief in me and my siblings, is a true mana wahine. All the artists and professionals in my circle (they know who they are) for the passion, drive, and humility they show in their mahi both on and off the screen, also the aroha and manaaki they have given me and my little whanau from day dot. 

Three people in traditional warrior attire, with fierce expressions, stand outdoors. The central figure holds a weapon, while all wear furs and leather, surrounded by trees and huts in the background.
Mehe (Darneen Christian) and Waka Nuku Rau (Te Kohe Tuhaka) in The Dead Lands. Photo: Supplied.

What keeps you grounded?

Ko te hoe waka, ko te wai, moana mai, awa mai. Koina te wāhi hei tānga manawa mōku, otira ko tangaroa taku tino atua, hei whakahaumaru i taku hinengaro, wairua, mauri ano hoki. 

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

Look beyond the horizon, see the tomorrow you want, and take it one step at a time. And also be the change you want to see in your world, work, and whanau. 

More Reading

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    Finally – what’s something about you most people don’t know? 

    I’m a rheumatic fever survivor.

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