Available to hire
Hi, I’m Faith Oriwia Henare-Stewart, also known as Te KuraHuia. I’m a film director, singer‑songwriter, weaver, performer, and social media creator whose work spans film, music, and Māori performing arts. My directing, music, and artwork have been recognised with awards from SRNZ, MVU, The Waiata Māori Music Awards, and Kīngi Tūheitia. I’m driven by telling Indigenous stories with energy, heart, and collaboration.
I’m committed to mentoring younger artists and giving back to my community. I teach kapa haka, perform nationally and internationally, and create bilingual, upbeat content to inspire awareness and support for the projects I’m part of. Through Kurahaupō Film Company and my broader creative work, I aim to celebrate our heritage and empower our people through art.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Māori
Fluent
Work Experience
Artist Response at Wheako Pōneke – Te KuraHuia
September 11, 2025 - November 7, 2025Created an artist response for the He Kura Toi Tangata 50-year Waitangi Tribunal exhibition at The Wellington Museum, aiming to lift energy within the space.
Intern at Muaūpoko Tribal Authorities
February 6, 2025 - February 6, 2025Internship to facilitate rangatahi wānanga, create content, manage videography, and organise entertainment for events such as Waitangi Day.
Visitor Host - Retail Assistant at Pūkaha National Wildlife Center
December 31, 2024 - December 31, 2024In-person and online visitor hosting, providing information about native wildlife, guiding tours, and customer service.
Artist/Performer (Rapper/Singer-Songwriter/Dancer) at Te KuraHuia
January 1, 2022 - November 7, 2025National and international performances showcasing bilingual music and dance.
Director/Producer & Editor/Writer at Taniwha Studios
January 1, 2021 - November 7, 2025Multidisciplinary content creation, directing, producing, editing, and social media content production for brand partnerships.
Producer/Events Manager & MC at Distant Roots
July 31, 2023 - July 31, 2023Produced a short film; organized production schedule and post-production; led fundraising and event hosting.
MC/Speaker at Real Talk
December 31, 2024 - December 31, 2024MC for Real Talk Horowhenua (2022) and Real Talk Ōtaki; performer for Real Talk Waihōpai & Ōtepoti in 2024.
Māori Performing Arts Tutor at Tawa College
July 31, 2023 - July 31, 2023Composer and teacher of songs, choreography, and practices for regional kapa haka competition.
Rangatahi Mentor / Cultural Advisor / Production Assistant at The Untold Tales of Tūteremoana
May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022Actress (ancestor role), reo mentor, art dept assistant, costume assistant, and producers assistant; contributed waiata.
Producer/Director’s Assistant at Muaūpoko Tribal Authorities
December 31, 2022 - December 31, 2022Producer and director’s assistant; supported youth events and workshops.
Film Festival Director at Waitangi Whānau Film Night
February 1, 2021 - February 1, 2021Directed a 1-night film festival at Focal Point Cinema, Levin; managed event operations.
Casual Content Creator & Ambassador at AWWA Period Care
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023Produced content to promote decolonized approach to menstruation and empowerment for women.
Modelling - Photography & Catwalk at Te KuraHuia
January 1, 2019 - November 7, 2025Indigenous model and performer for shoots, catwalks, and collaborations.
Production Assistant at Brown Bitty Production Company
July 31, 2019 - July 31, 2019Casual production assistant on a portmanteau feature film project.
Social Media Coordinator at Wairoa Māori Film Festival
June 11, 2021 - June 11, 2021Promoted international film festival content and engaged with audiences.
Teacher Aide / Master of Ceremonies at TKKM o te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimuf
December 31, 2020 - December 31, 2020Teacher aide; supervised students and acted as MC for events.
MC at Muaupoko Tribal Authorities
September 30, 2022 - September 30, 2022Master of ceremonies for Horowhenua events.
Māori Performing Arts Teacher at Koputaroa Primary School / Punahau Early Childhood Centre / Waiopehu College / Horowhenua College
December 31, 2019 - December 31, 2019Taught Māori performing arts to primary and secondary students.
Performing Artist & Māori Performing Arts Teacher at Kahurangi Māori Dance Company, Hastings
March 31, 2019 - March 31, 2019Performed and taught Māori performing arts; facilitated tours and workshops.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts (Acting) at Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa National School of Drama
January 1, 2023 - November 7, 2025Bachelor’s Degree in Toi Whakarākai Art & Design at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Otaki
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Diploma in Māori Performing Arts at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Otaki
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Certificate of Māori Performing Arts at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Otaki
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Diploma in Toi Whakarākai Māori Art & Design at Te Kura A Iwi O Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, Otaki
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014Diploma in Creativity Music Level 5 at Universal College of Learning, Palmerston North
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022Certificate of Performance Music Level 4 at Universal College of Learning, Palmerston North
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Qualifications
First Aid Certificate
January 1, 2020 - November 7, 2025Restricted Driver's License
January 1, 2019 - November 7, 2025Full Driver's License
January 1, 2022 - November 7, 2025Soroptimist Scholarship Award
January 1, 2021 - November 7, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
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