Nicola Kāwana
Actor | Director | Writer
Nicola Kāwana (Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Kahungungu o Wairarapa) stands among Aotearoa’s most talented and successful actors. Trained with the Taranaki Youth Theatre and a graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, Nicola's career spans across theatre, television, and film.
While many still recognise her from prominent roles in Shortland Street and Jackson’s Wharf, Nicolas screen work is extensive, and her versatility shines across genres. From starring alongside Martin Clunes in The Man Who Lost His Head and playing opposite Temuera Morrison in Fresh Meat; to the comedic adventure of Netflix’s The New Legends of Monkey and the drama of One Lane Bridge, she continues to showcase her range.
As a sought after stage presence, she performs regularly with New Zealand’s most prominent theatre companies. Highlights include Auckland Theatre Company’s North by Northwest and Rendered, Silo Theatre’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit, and the internationally toured UPU, which recently captivated audiences in Montreal.
Beyond acting, Nicola has showcased her passion for horticulture as the host of Whānau Living and Get Growing; these roles blending storytelling with her commitment to sustainable gardening practices. Her recent foray into playwriting with Kūpapa adds another layer to her impressive creative repertoire.
Full Biography
2012 - Fresh Meat - Margaret Crane (lead) - Director - Danny Mulheron - Gibson Group
Television
2022 - One Lane Bridge: season 3 - Pounamu Edwards (core cast) - Great Southern Television
2019 - Ahikāroa: season 2 - Dina (recurring) - Kura Productions
2018 - In Dark Places (telefeature) - P.C. Salu - Director - Michael Bennett - South Pacific Pictures
2017 - Kiwi (telefeature) - Janice - Director - Michael Bennett - Rogue Productions
2017 - The New Legends of Monkey: season 1 - Meera - Director - Michael Bennett - Netflix
2016 - Brokenwood Mysteries: season 3 - Tina - South Pacific Pictures
2015 - Maui's Hook (docudrama) - Pania - Director - Paora Joseph - Kura Productions Ltd
2015 - Find Me A Māori Bride - Judge - Kiel McNaughton - Brown Sugar Apple Grunt Productions
2010 - Brown Brothas - Iris - Cinco Cine Film Productions
2009 - Eruption (telefeature) - Mere (lead) - Director -Danny Mulheron - Gibson Group
2008 - Legend of the Seeker: season I - Sylvia - The Walt Disney Company
2007 - The Man Who Lost His Head - Lollie (lead) - Director - Terry Johnson - ITV / South Pacific Pictures
2007 - Whānau - Mereaira - Director - Hori Ahipene - Cinco Cine Film Productions
2005 - 2006 - Shortland Street - Huia Samuels (core cast) - South Pacific Pictures
2002 - Mataku: The Rocks - Tui Burton - South Pacific Pictures
1999 - 2000 - Jacksons Wharf: seasons 1 - 2 - Mahina Jackson (core cast) - South Pacific Pictures
1997 - Nga Wahine - Nuki Te Kani - Director - Riwia Brown
1995 - Cover Story - Featured - Gibson Group
1996 - Enid Blyton Stories - Various - Cloud 9
1996 - Understanding the Law - Various - ETV
Television - Presenting
2017 - Whānau Living: season 2 - Host - TVNZ
2016 - Whānau Living: season 1 - Host - TVNZ
2015 - Get Growing - Host - Top Shelf Productions/Choice TV
Short Film
2023 - Cold Feet - Mother of the Bride - Director - Isla McLeod
Theatre
2024 - Upu - Lead Performer - Director - Fasitua Amosa - CINARS Biennale Montreal
2023 - Upu - Lead Performer - Director - Fastiua Amosa - Taranaki Reimagine Festival
2023 - Things That Matter - Carol - Director - Anapela Polata’ivao - Auckland Theatre Company
2022 - North By Northwest - Ensemble - Director - Simon Phillips - Auckland Theatre Company
2021 - Kūpapa - Director - Erina Daniels - Te Pou Theatre
2021 - White Rabbit Red Rabbit - Lead - Silo Theatre
2019 - Astroman - Mrs Mahara - Director - Tainui Tukiwaho - Auckland Theatre Company
2018 - 2019 - Upu - Lead Performer - Director - Fastiua Amosa - Auckland Art Festival / Silo Theatre
2018 - Rendered - Major Aria - Director - Katie Wolfe - Auckland Theatre Company
2018 - Under The Mountain - Aunty Noelene - Director - Sara Brodie - Auckland Theatre Company
2017 - The Vultures - Atawhai - Director - Miria George - Tawata Productions
2015 - A Doll's House - Christine - Director - Colin McColl - Auckland Theatre Company
2012 - Awatea - Pera - Director - Colin McColl - Auckland Theatre Company
2012 - The Motor Camp - Dawn (lead)- Director - Roy Ward - Auckland Theatre Company
2010 - Nga Manurere - Manawa - Director - Katie Wolfe - TAPAC/Hawkins Centre
2009 - Nga Manurere - Manawa - Director - Katie Wolfe - TAPAC
2008 - Who Needs Sleep Anyway? - Various - Director - Roger Hall - Auckland Theatre Company
2007 - Mother, Whaea, Tama, Son - Lead - Director - Heath Jones - AK 07
2001 - Woman far Walking - Lead - Director - Christian Penny - North Island Tour
1999 - Les Parents Terribles - Madeleine - Director - Cathy Downes - Circa Theatre
1998 - Manu Ray - Lucy Lord - Director - Iain Rea - Taranaki Arts Festival
1996 - Waitapu - Jaki - Ha Hara Hou / Te Reo Maori season
1998 - Homes Fires - Tia - Director - Nathaniel Lees - Downstage Theatre
1998 - Kindertransport - Helga - Director - Donogh Rees - Unreal Theatre Company
1998 - Scow - Various - Director - William Fairmond
1997 - Blood Wedding - The Wife - Director - Maya Dalzeil
1997 - TIE Tour - Ensemble - Frontier Theatre
1996 - Mo & Jess Kill Susie - Mo (lead) - Director - Gary Henderson
1996 - Waitapu - Various - Director - Tina Cook
1995 - Five Angels - Various - Director - Alison Quigan
1995 - The Debate - Various - Director - Hone Kouka
1994 - The Rover - Callis / Moretta - Director - Roger Hodgeman
1989 - In the Wilderness Without a Hat - Various - Director - Rangimoana Taylor
1994 - Diploma in Performing Arts - Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School
1988 - Performing Arts Graduate - Taranaki Performing Arts School
1996 - Winner - Most Promising Female Newcomer - Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards
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