Peata’s involvement in the film industry began at age 19, when she took on the role of Wardrobe Supervisor on indie film Northspur. The following year she attended a First Assistant Camera course in Christchurch with the NZ Cinematography Society, and has since worked as a 1st AC, lighting assist or camera operator on numerous projects throughout the wider region. A few highlights have been data wrangling & operating C Camera on a reality series for ITV (currently in post-production), focus pulling on Kiwi-Bollywood short film collaboration Tinsel over Twizel, and camera trainee on short film First Horse – winner of the 2024 First Nations award at Sydney Film Festival.
Of recent years she has focused on her acting & stunt careers, spending a few months annually in Auckland to train at the NZ Stunt School and study under acting coach Elena Stejko. She stars in locally-made short film, War Paint, which won several international awards for best drama and is now streaming on Maori+, and also appears as a presenter in VICE Australia’s Local Access series. Other film & TV highlights include Lee Tamahori’s The Convert, Maori TV’s Kairākau Season 4 and Netflix’s East of Eden. She is represented by ODD Management and NZ Action Talent.
Also a classically-trained pianist and flute player, Peata grew up playing and singing in bands, orchestras, chamber groups & choirs. Before moving into the film industry she taught instrumental music, privately and at the Richmond View School Music Academy. She also trained in classical ballet for 10 years before transitioning into contemporary and various street dance styles, with an emphasis on Krump.
