Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand MC/Entertainer Profile

Cultural Luminary & Performance Proponent

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand is one of New Zealand’s most recognised and respected actors, having worked in theatre, film and television for over 40 years. Not only is she an award winning actor; she is a director, board member, MC, judge, Keynote Speaker, live performance host, panellist and Intimacy Coordinator. Among many honours, she was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for her significant contribution to the arts.

Mission

Jennifer’s dedicated service to her industry in her role as president of Equity New Zealand for over 15 years has seen her build the performers union from hundreds to thousands. Her work as one of the first accredited intimacy coordinators in New Zealand has ushered in a culture change around best practice for intimate scenes.

A champion of the arts, Jennifer is deeply curious, loves change, and doesn’t want to sit still. Service is in her genetic makeup. She is working to make her industry a better and safer place.

Jennifer has been a student of Te Reo Māori since 2008. Her fluency and dedication contributed to her being named the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2020. Jennifer brings her passion for Te Reo Māori into all of her work and feels a deep responsibility to use her platform to advocate for the language.

Keynote

Whether advocating for Te Reo Māori, shining a light on a career in the arts, or advancing career inequities, Jennifer is as elegant as she is down-to-earth.

In hot-demand as an MC and Speaker for arts and corporate events, her warmth, self-assurance and wit have carried audiences at events such as the Whitecliffe Fashion Show (eight times), The New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards (five times), and The Equity Lifetime Achievement Award (six times). Alongside this is a plethora of speaking projects that range from Developing women in Engineering (2022), to the NZ Opera School (2023). Her fluency in Te Reo Māori brings an added depth to her work.

Jennifer prides herself on her professionalism and encourages others to embrace creativity and change. She is an advocate for empathy and a builder of community.