Kiwi Stunt Pioneer Dayna Pomare Celebrates Three Decades in Hollywood Film Industry

A veteran of the global film industry, horse master and stunt co-ordinator Dayna Pomare is reflecting on a career spanning more than 30 years that has seen her doubling for Hollywood icons including Charlize Theron and Tilda Swinton. As reported by RNZ on 18 September 2026, the Hunua-based professional describes herself as a “rough Kiwi Māori farm girl” whose upbringing on a ranch provided the grit necessary for one of the world’s most physically demanding professions. Pomare’s extensive credits include major productions such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Avatar: The Way of Water. Her career began in the 1990s as a stunt double for Lucy Lawless on Xena: Warrior Princess. She attributes the international success of New Zealand stunt performers to a versatile “all-rounder” skill set, encompassing horse work, water sequences, combat, and fire stunts. Despite the accolades, Pomare has faced significant challenges. Following a serious accident in 2021 that required emergency neck surgery and left her temporarily unable to walk, she utilized her connection with her 13 horses to fuel a year-long recovery. She is currently documenting this journey of resilience in a forthcoming book titled Good To Go, aimed at helping others overcome similar physical and mental setbacks. Today, Pomare is focused on the next generation. She established a stunt school in 2010 to train aspiring performers and operates a talent agency to facilitate their entry into the industry. Most recently, she managed 67 horses for the Netflix production East of Eden, filmed across Aotearoa. Beyond commercial sets, Pomare continues to give back to the community by hosting monthly stunt rigging days for children with disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to experience the thrill of aerial wire work.