From Haka to Hollywood

By Temuera Morrison and Paul Little (Penguin Books, RRP $40)

Temuera Morrison is one of New Zealand's most enduring – and probably best-recognised – actors.

From his early days in New Zealand film, to his stint as Dr Ropata on Shortland Street and, more recently, roles in Hollywood blockbusters, From Haka to Hollywood takes a look at it all.

He starts out talking about his childhood, growing up in rural New Zealand, moving on to talk about his film and television roles, offering little stories and anecdotes about the various stars and directors he's had the good fortune to work with over the years.

Morrison is a lucky man in a difficult profession, and he knows it. His gratitude shines through the pages, and the photos scattered throughout are a very welcome addition to the story. Morrison seems like a down-to-earth guy, and he's not afraid to show himself up in stories – like unconsciously adding gun "sound effects" to scenes in Barbed Wire with Pamela Anderson.

The chapter most Kiwis will be interested in is the one on Once Were Warriors; the role that really took Morrison out of the soap opera and put him on the map, and it offers a fascinating insight into the process of transformation Morrison went through to make Jake the Muss – now an integral part of our cultural landscape – come alive on screen.

A very interesting – and very readable – book from a true Kiwi success story.

- © Fairfax NZ News