Te Ao o Hinepehinga discusses their experience acting in Chief of War alongside Jason Momoa - Exclusive Interview.

      Tai Freligh speaks with Te Ao o Hinepehinga, a star of Chief of War…

      Polynesian (Māori) actress Te Ao o Hinepehinga plays a significant role in the eagerly awaited Apple TV+ drama series Chief of War, set to debut on August 1, 2025. She portrays ‘Kupuohi’, the wife of Jason Momoa’s character. Filmed in Hawaii, the cast includes notable names such as Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, and Cliff Curtis, among others. This thrilling adventure tells the unique story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands from an indigenous viewpoint during the late 18th century. The series follows a Native Hawaiian warrior involved in a fierce struggle to unite the islands and protect them from colonization, inspired by the true story of Ka’iana. Flickering Myth’s Tai Freligh spoke with her about the show, collaborating with Jason Momoa, and how her indigenous heritage influences her acting career and commitment to cultural preservation and community work.

      Chief of War appears to be an incredibly ambitious endeavor, presenting the narrative of Hawaiian unification from an indigenous perspective. As a Māori actress, how was it stepping into the role of Kupuohi, Jason Momoa’s character's wife, and contributing to such a significant story that connects with your own heritage?

      ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING. I’m not joking. In my village, our stories, our Pūrakau, are sacred. For Polynesians, storytelling goes beyond mere entertainment; it is central to our identity and keeps our culture and history alive. Being entrusted with Hawaii's story felt like both a gift and a responsibility I didn't feel prepared for. Thanks to the openness of the Kanaka Maoli and their generosity in sharing their knowledge and history, I felt I could embody a powerful woman like Kupuohi.

      Your background is intriguing, ranging from being raised in a political family engaged in indigenous activism to your career as a dancer prior to acting. How have these diverse experiences influenced your approach to portraying historically and culturally significant characters like Kupuohi?

      For this role specifically, it was a bit challenging. As a Māori, I see all Polynesians as “distant cousins,” a familial connection that bears similarities and substantial differences. Although I had many remarkable female role models, they were Māori, and therefore, the mannerisms I learned were Māori as well. It felt both familiar and different. It was akin to blind taste testing apples; you know one is green and the other red, but choosing the right one is tricky. I often battled my instincts since they felt so natural within this story, and I frequently questioned whether I was on point or misaligned. I’m sure my Kanaka friends will let me know if I managed to remain true.

      The series was filmed in Hawaii, uniting a cast that features notable talents like Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis. Can you share any remarkable experiences or insights from working on location in Hawaii and the dynamic among the cast, especially considering many share indigenous roots?

      Hmm… where should I start? There was the volcanic eruption that occurred while we were filming a story about a volcanic eruption. Then there were the cyclones which caused several delays—certainly an eventful production… But the beauty of this cast was our collective purpose, all here for the story and the people of Hawai’i. Everything felt right, which contrasted with how I felt initially—panicked and intimidated. And really, who wouldn’t? Cliff Curtis? Temuera Morrison! It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. When you place a little Māori dreamer from a small town into a project surrounded by powerhouse Polynesians, of course, I'd freak out. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone in that.

      Can you elaborate on your experience working with Jason Momoa and what he contributes to a project like this?

      Jason is a complex individual who is not easily defined in words. His actions in this project clearly reflect his love and commitment to his people and culture. That’s the root of our collaboration. He had a vision and the resolve to ensure it was executed in a manner that would make his people proud. That’s no small accomplishment in this industry.

      You've experienced a rapid ascent in television, from Black Hands to Head High and Breakwater. How does working on a large-scale international production like Chief of War compare to your past roles, particularly regarding the scope and indigenous storytelling?

      We've been fortunate in Aotearoa; the TV and film industry we’ve developed sets high standards for work ethic and storytelling alike. Creatives such as Merata Mita and Lee Tamahori paved the way for indigenous narratives to thrive while preserving their authenticity. Growing up in that environment as a young Māori prepared me exceptionally well for this moment. That’s why I felt equipped to fulfill my role; I had been raised to care for and protect our stories. I believe that’s