Ngahuia Piripi Actor Profile

Profile

Ethnicity

Māori

Iwi

Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi

Location

Auckland, New Zealand

Height

163 cm

Age Range

30–36

Career Highlights

Ngahuia Piripi (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is a New Zealand actor best known for her long running role as Esther Samuels on the iconic television drama “Shortland Street”, where she became a familiar and much loved presence on Kiwi screens over the course of a decade. Her nuanced performances and natural screen presence have established her as one of New Zealand’s most recognisable talents. In 2015, Ngahuia starred in Lee Tamahori’s acclaimed feature film “Mahana”, playing the major supporting role of Miriam. Ngahuia brings authenticity, warmth, and depth to every role, continuing to build a career defined by versatility and enduring audience appeal.

Feature Film.

2015MahanaMiriam (Major Support)The Patriarch Ltd.
Dir. Lee Tamahori
2003The Last SamuraiIndian GirlWarner Brothers/USA

Television.

2026Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2025Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2024Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2023Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2022HONGI TO HĀNGĪ
2022Shortland Street - RetributionEsther Samuels (Lead)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Emmett Skilton
2021Shortland Street - RetributionEsther Samuels (Lead)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Emmett Skilton
2020Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2019Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2018Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2017Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2016Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2015Shortland StreetEsther Samuels (Core)South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2013Tote's Maori TVRetail Zombie (Recurring Guest)TVNZ/Maori Programmes
Dir. Various
2010Korero Mai Amokura (Lead)Cinco Cine Film Productions Ltd
Dir. Robyn Grace
2008Waimarie - PilotYoung Mereana4 Winds Films Ltd
2006Whanau - Season 1 & 2NgahuiaCinco Cine Productions

Theatre.

2013PatuaSissyBlanket & Musket
Dir. Renae Maihi

Short Film.

2013Texas BreadYoung Pare & Pawhero (Lead)NZFC
Dir. Karyn Childs

Voice.

2013One Little FantailStory TellerRadio New Zealand
2013Remember that November Story TellerRadio New Zealand