Since Hori Ahipene graduated from the NZ Drama School in 1989 he has worked consistently on groundbreaking theatre and television. Working in Te Reo and English, as a writer and director as well as an actor, his work crosses easily between Pakeha and Maori cultures. On the big screen Ahipene has had roles in The Piano, Jubilee andPerfect Creature (currently in post-production). His theatre experience includes directingMapaki (2001), which was a finalist in the Chapman Trip Theatre Awards for Best Original Production, and writing Hide and Seek, which won Best Original Production and Best Taki Rua Play in 1993. For television, Ahipene’s performances in the comic seriesSkitz and The Semi-Si were a huge hit. Other television acting includes Xena, Herculesand Shortland Street, and he directed the Te Reo children’s show Pukana. He is currently writing and directing for the highest rating show on Maori television, Korero Mai.