Hori Ahipene

Hori Ahipene is an actor and director in theatre, film and television in New Zealand. He is also an award-winning playwright with the Māori play Hide 'n Seek co-written with Hone Kouka.^[1] He became a well-known face in New Zealand for his dramatic performances in films such as Jubilee (2000), as well as The Piano (1993) and a guest role Xena: Warrior Princess in 2001. A versatile actor, he has also played lead roles in television sketch series, including the 1990s hit Skitz, The Semisis, Telly Laughs and Away Laughing.^[2] Most recently he was in the core cast of Maddigan's Quest and currently plays the role of "Angel" in the television drama Outrageous Fortune.^[3] He is an accomplished director with more than 15 years in the arts industry. He was a senior director on Skitz as well as long-running Māori-language programmes Korero Mai and Pukana. He was a creator and co-writer of the sitcom B&B with comedian Te Radar for Māori Television.

Ahipene studied acting at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. He graduated in 1989 with a Diploma in Acting.^[4] He has worked in theatre as an actor and as a theatre director.