Lee Tamahori, Acclaimed Director of Once Were Warriors and Die Another Day, Dies at 75

Family Remembers Tamahori as a ‘Fierce Creative Spirit’ and Champion of Māori Storytelling

The film world is mourning the loss of the acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Lee Tamahori, who has passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by his family, who remembered him as an immense creative spirit whose legacy defined a generation of New Zealand cinema.

In a heartfelt statement shared with Rolling Stone, Tamahori’s family paid tribute to his impact on the industry and his heritage:

“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.”

They further highlighted his enduring connection to his home country, Aotearoa, noting that he “returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity,” evident in his later works such as Mahana and The Convert.

The Director Who Changed New Zealand Cinema

Lee Tamahori first achieved global attention with his powerful 1994 debut, Once Were Warriors. The film, a stark and unforgettable portrait of urban Māori life, was both a critical phenomenon and a box-office success.

The film’s impact was immediate: it became New Zealand’s highest-grossing film at the time and remains among the top five. Its success not only launched Tamahori’s international career but also brought unprecedented attention to Māori storytelling.

From New Zealand to James Bond and Hollywood Blockbusters

Following the massive success of Once Were Warriors, Tamahori transitioned to Hollywood, quickly making a name for himself with his distinctive, muscular storytelling:

• Hollywood Thrillers: He directed the acclaimed 1997 thriller The Edge, starring Anthony Hopkins. This was followed by the Morgan Freeman-led thriller Along Came a Spider in 2001.
• Bond Blockbuster: His largest studio project came in 2002 with the **James Bond film, Die Another Day.
• Action Films: He continued his reputation for big-budget action by directing XXX: State of the Union in 2005.

Lee Tamahori’s passing marks the loss of a true visionary who successfully navigated between intimate, culture-defining cinema and major global blockbusters.