My happy place: James Tito – Modern Maori Quartet founder
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Kuki Airani
James trained at UCOL (Advanced Certificate in Performing Arts) and Toi Whakaari. He has acted in theatre productions including Awhi Tapu, Tu, The Māori Troilus and Cressida and Sydney Bridge Upside Down and on screen including Awhi Tapu, When We Go To War and The Kick. He was nominated as Most Promising Male Newcomer at the 2011 Chapman Tripp Awards. James had the inspiration to establish the Modern Māori Quartet and revive the showbands of yesteryears because of the talented people he has worked with.
Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
A graduate of Toi Whakaari, Maaka has performed in numerous productions such as the critically acclaimed Strange Resting Places and The Māori Troilus and Cressida, which featured at the prestigious Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. He made his film debut in the feature Two Little Boys. Maaka is also a professional musician and proud member of the Modern Māori Quartet.
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tamaterā
Since graduating from Toi Whakaari, Matariki has appeared in various theatre productions including Awhi Tapu, Tu and Paper Sky. His screen credits include The Almighty Johnsons, Go Girls and The Pā Boys. Matariki has always loved playing music, singing and acting so being a part of the Modern Māori Quartet is his dream job.
Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pūkeko
Francis is a new member to the Modern Māori Quartet. He is also a graduate of Toi Whakaari. For the last decade, Francis has been a musician with (and now the frontman of) iconic NZ band KORA. He had his debut film role in The Pā Boys and was a presenter on Māori Television’s Code. Francis has a passion for telling Aotearoa’s stories through film and theatre.