Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas wins Best Oceanian Actress wins for her role in "Ka Whawhai Tonu" at the Septimius Awards 2025

The global cinematic spotlight swung decisively toward Oceania on September 4, 2025, as the talented actress Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas was crowned Best Oceanian Actress at the prestigious Septimius Awards. Her groundbreaking performance as the central figure, Kopu, in the powerful feature film Ka Whawhai Tonu (Struggle Without End), resonated deeply with the international jury and captivated audiences across continents. The glamorous award ceremony, hosted in the historic and magnificent Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, celebrated the power of diverse global storytelling.

The Grand Stage of Amsterdam

The atmosphere at the Tuschinski Theater was electric. Known for its breathtaking, ornate blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, the venue itself is a testament to cinematic history. On this night, it provided a fittingly dramatic setting for an awards show dedicated to recognizing international talent across geographical and continental divides. The Septimius Awards, by intentionally categorizing its major acting and film honors by continent—including European, American, Asian, African, and Oceanian—actively fosters a more inclusive and globally representative celebration of film artistry. This structure is precisely what brought Harawira-Nicholas’s superb work from Aotearoa New Zealand into direct competition and ultimately, triumph, on the world stage.

The ceremony itself was the culmination of a multi-day event, attracting filmmakers, industry executives, and critics from every corner of the globe. When the category for Best Oceanian Actress was announced, the anticipation was palpable. The subsequent declaration of Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas as the winner was met with rousing applause, signifying a major victory for Māori cinema and for the depth of talent flourishing in the Pacific.

A Performance Etched in History

The winning role was that of Kopu in Ka Whawhai Tonu, a film that fearlessly confronts the complex and often painful history of the New Zealand Wars. Director Michael Jonathan’s vision brought to life a crucial chapter of the nation's past, focusing on the extraordinary Māori resistance and resilience during a period of intense conflict.

Harawira-Nicholas’s interpretation of Kopu was universally lauded as a masterclass in emotional delivery and historical accuracy. She embodied a young woman thrust into unimaginable hardship, forced to mature rapidly as she fights to protect her community, her land, and her identity. Her performance was not merely acting; it was a deeply felt channeling of the ancestral spirit. Critics highlighted her ability to convey both immense vulnerability and fierce, unyielding resolve. The screen portrayal was a powerful counterpoint to historical narratives that have often overlooked or minimized the indigenous experience, offering viewers a raw, authentic, and deeply human lens through which to view the struggle for survival.

The intensity of the role demanded a connection that went beyond the script. Harawira-Nicholas, drawing on her own cultural heritage, brought an undeniable truth to Kopu. She masterfully navigated the character’s journey from innocence to hardened leadership, making her character’s fight for mana motuhake (self-determination) utterly compelling. It was this unflinching honesty and emotional gravitas that clearly separated her work from the impressive field of nominees in the Oceanian category.

The Global Impact of Indigenous Storytelling

The victory of Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas at the Septimius Awards is a monumental achievement that reverberates far beyond the boundaries of New Zealand. It serves as a resounding affirmation of the international significance of indigenous narratives and the global desire for diverse perspectives in cinema. Ka Whawhai Tonu’s subsequent win for Best Oceanian Film underscored the film's overall excellence and its powerful impact as a holistic artistic statement.

The awards provide critical validation for emerging film industries and for storytellers working outside of traditional Western filmmaking powerhouses. For Aotearoa New Zealand, this double honor signals that its unique cultural contributions are not only appreciated but are considered world-class cinematic art. It encourages greater investment and international distribution for films that prioritize authentic cultural representation and use the screen to explore profound historical and social themes.

For young Māori women aspiring to careers in film, Harawira-Nicholas is now an undeniable beacon. Her success demonstrates that cultural authenticity is a powerful asset, and that roles rooted in one’s own heritage can be the path to global recognition. Her journey exemplifies a modern triumph where tradition meets contemporary artistry, proving that stories passed down through generations hold the emotional currency to move and enlighten a global audience. The accolades received in Amsterdam solidify her position as a generational talent and mark a transformative moment for the visibility and celebration of Oceanian cinematic excellence.

This win ensures that the story of Kopu, and the broader history of the New Zealand Wars, will be discussed and studied on international platforms for years to come, securing the film's and Harawira-Nicholas's legacy. The applause on that early September evening in the Tuschinski Theater was not just for an actress, but for a culture taking its rightful place on the world stage.