Tungia Baker
Tungia Baker was a New Zealand Māori actress whose notable film roles include Hira in The Piano.
The daughter of noted Ngāti Raukawa elder Matenga Baker of Ōtaki, she was a National Representative of American Field Service, pioneering marae visits for incoming AFS scholars.
Tungia Baker was invested in contemporary Māori theatre and was a role model. Alongside others Baker influenced younger practitioners as stated by actor, director and producer Nancy Brunning: "I thank Tungia Baker, Wi Kuki Kaa, Rona Bailey, Bob Wiki, Rowley Habib, Don Selwyn and Keri Kaa for creating and establishing a Māori theatre industry for us."
Baker was closely associated with Raukawa Marae and Rangiatea Church, Ōtaki. In the last part of her life, she lived on the West Coast.
She died of cancer on 27 July 2005 and is buried in Rangiatea churchyard.Filmography
