Rena Owen is best known for her pivotal role as Beth Heke in Lee Tamahori’s iconic film ‘Once Were Warriors’ where her compelling performance earned her countless awards and nominations, locally and internationally. Since then, Rena has continued to excel in her career as an actress, producer & writer in film, television and theater, showcasing her versatility.

Beyond her individual accomplishments, Rena has advocated for Māori representation in the entertainment industry, using her platform to raise awareness of the challenges, and support rangatahi – a testament to her talent, resilience and her unwavering commitment to using her influence for positive impact.

But what were the foundations of Rena’s success? What was going on behind the scenes of the acting career? We got to chat with Rena about her humble beginnings in Moerewa, an almost-medical career, a conviction decades old that still hinders her work opportunities, and her dreams for the future.

This is her story. Indigenous 100 – Rena Owen