Kiwi filmmaker Merata Mita dies

KEY FIGURE: Merata Mita as she appeared in the film Utu.

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Leading Kiwi film director Merata Mita has died after collapsing outside Maori Television's Auckland studios, it has been reported.

Mita, who was born in the Bay of Plenty and was married to director Geoff Murphy, collapsed in Newmarket around 1.15pm and died shortly afterwards. Efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.

Mita was known for her documentary films such Bastion Point: Day 507 and Patu, about the 1981 Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand, and the feature film Mauri. She also had a producing credit in recent New Zealand film success story Boy.

"The staff and management of Maori Television wish to pass on their sincere condolences to her whanau," , Maori Television spokeswoman Sonya Haggie said.

Ms Haggie was not aware of the cause of her death and said the broadcaster did not wish to say anything else out of respect for Mita's family.

NZ On Screen said Mita was "a passionate advocate for Maori creative control" and a "key figure in the story of Maori filmmaking".

Mita received a New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Years Honours list earlier this year.

- with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News

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CHRISTINE   #8   11:16 pm May 31 2010

He Rangatira Wahinetoa Karanga maha me haere koe i te rereinga wairua ki to whanau i roto i te ringainga ki to atua. Haere, haere, haere atu ra e. No Reira tena koutou. Our condolence and aroha to Geoff Murphy and the Mita whanau, friends and colleagues and Maori Television at this time of loss. Merata will be missed but her legacy will live forever her mahi certainly a great taonga for all people of Aotearoa. You touched the hearts of many and shared your story which gave true meaning and inspiration. God be with you till we meet again.

VJP   #7   08:55 pm May 31 2010

A sad loss to New Zealand Film making. She has made some of the most interesting and brave documentaries I have ever seen come out of this country. May she rest in Peace.

Tony Carr   #6   08:36 pm May 31 2010

A great loss to all New Zealanders.

Te Whare   #5   07:33 pm May 31 2010

E te mōtoi kahurangi,te puhi-kai-ariki, haere atu ki ōhou mātou, ki ōhou tipuna e tatari ana māhau, haere, haere, haere atu rā ki a rātou kua whetūrangitia, kua wairuatia kai tua i te arai.

Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā i te moenga Kahurangi!

debo   #4   06:49 pm May 31 2010

Condolences to the family. Sad news.

Potiki   #3   06:12 pm May 31 2010

Hoki atu ra ki te hunga nui o te po, ki te ope o te rua Matariki.

Shahir Daud   #2   05:28 pm May 31 2010

Sad news - such an icon in New Zealand film - Bastion Point and Patu! are incredible films.

Melissa   #1   04:44 pm May 31 2010

How sad :(