Hori Ahipene is an actor and director in theatre, film and television in New Zealand. He is also an award-winning playwright with the Māori play Hide 'n Seek co-written with Hone Kouka.[1] He became a well known face in New Zealand for his dramatic performances in films such as Jubilee (2000) as well as parts in The Piano (1993) and a guest role in 2001. A versatile actor he has also played lead roles in television sketch series including the 1990s hit Skitz, The Semisis, Telly Laughs and Away Laughing.[2] Most recently he was in the core cast of Maddigan's Quest and currently playing the role of Angel in the television drama Outrageous Fortune.[3] He is an accomplished director with more than 15 years in the arts industry. He was a senior director on Skitz as well as long running Māori-language programmes Korero Mai and Pukana. He was a creator and co-writer of the sitcom B&B with comedian Te Radar for Māori Television.
Ahipene studied acting at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. He graduated in 1989 with a Diploma in Acting.[4] He has worked in theatre as an actor and as a theatre director.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Mokopuna | Protestor | Short film | |
| 1993 | Mutu | |||
| 1994 | Rapa Nui | Overseer | ||
| 1996 | Chicken | Mourner | ||
| 2000 | Jubilee | Potu Williams | ||
| 2003 | Pioi | |||
| 2006 | Perfect Creature | Parishioner | ||
| 2017 | Te Makutu (The Curse) | The Ruanuku | Short film |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Away Laughing | Various | TV series | |
| 1993 | Skitzo | Various | TV series | |
| 1993 | Radio Wha Waho | Hemana | TV series | |
| 1996 | Telly Laughs | Various | TV series | |
| 1998 | Sia | TV series | ||
| 1998 | Shortland Street | Eddie Heka | TV series | |
| 1999 | Brutus | "Love on the Rocks" | ||
| 2000 | Jack of All Trades | Blackbeard | "The Floundering Father", "Shark Bait" | |
| 2001 | Ferragus | "Many Happy Returns" | ||
| 2002 | Mercy Peak | Jimmy | "The Most Deserving" | |
| 2002 | Mataku | Charlie | "The Heirloom" | |
| 2006 | Maddigan's Quest | Tane | Regular role | |
| 2008 | Legend of the Seeker | Gunther | "Bounty" | |
| 2009–10 | Outrageous Fortune | Angel | Recurring role | |
| 2011 | Waitangi: What Really Happened | Tohunga | TV film | |
| 2016 | Terry Teo | Protest Leader | "Head to Head" | |
| 2017 | Find Me a Maori Bride | Noel | "Whanau Day" | |
| 2017 | Teepz / Aunty Mavis | TV series |