Wellington-born filmmaker Lee Tamahori, a trailblazing figure in both New Zealand and Hollywood cinema who directed a James Bond film, has died at the age of 75.

According to his family, he passed away peacefully at home after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease some years prior.

The statement reads: ‘His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart. A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed Māori talent both on and off screen.

‘He ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with Mahana and his latest film The Convert, reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa. We’ve lost an immense creative spirit.’

His credit

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