Māori Stars Nominated for Screen Personality of the Year at 2026 New Zealand Screen Awards

Māori screen talent is being celebrated on the national stage as the finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Screen Awards are revealed. In an announcement on Wednesday 28 October, three prominent Māori personalities were confirmed as contenders for the prestigious Screen Personality of the Year award, a category decided entirely by public vote. Among the ten finalists are Shiray and Gillies Kākā, who have been recognised for their work on the programme Full Noise, which broadcasts on Whakaata Māori and Māori+. Joining them in the spotlight is Turia Schmidt-Peke, nominated for her role in Chat Her Up, also featured on Whakaata Māori and Māori+. Their inclusion highlights the continued impact of Māori-led productions in the Aotearoa broadcasting landscape. The awards ceremony, scheduled for Thursday 19 November, will also pay tribute to the enduring legacy of rural storytelling. The iconic series Country Calendar has been named the 2026 Screen Legend, marking only the second time a television programme has received the honour. First aired in March 1966, the show is being celebrated for its 60-year history of documenting the people and landscapes of rural New Zealand. Producer Dan Henry noted that the programme’s longevity is a testament to its ability to connect with audiences through authentic stories of families and communities. While the Screen Legend award honours decades of history, the Screen Personality of the Year category looks toward the current stars of the industry. Voting for the personality award allows the public to directly support their favourite broadcasters and actors ahead of the November ceremony, where the winners across all categories will be officially recognised for their contributions to New Zealand screen culture.