Tō Te Wai

Georgia-May Russ, a Waikato-Maniapoto artist, spent her formative years in Ōtorohanga and Te Tai Tokerau. A dedicated theatre and filmmaker, actor, and director, she discovered her love for the craft while working with Northland Youth Theatre and Company of Giants in Whangārei. Georgia further honed her skills at The Actors Program in Tāmaki Makaurau in 2022, where she formed new creative connections and focused on film. Since then, she has seamlessly moved from project to project, enjoying every moment. Key highlights in Georgia's career include 'The Odyssey (2013),' 'Nora: A Doll's House (2022),' and 'Pūkeko Tuawhā (2023).'

Jewels King, originally from Ngati Hine, Waikato-Tainui, and Taranaki, embraced te ao Māori in kura kaupapa, where she spoke te reo at home. Born in Ōtautahi and raised in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara, Jewels transitioned to the Pākehā world in mainstream secondary school. Her passion for performing arts led her to excel in Kapa Haka, representing at both secondary and te Matatini levels, and touring Japan with her secondary Kapa Haka roopu. Jewels continued her artistic journey by studying acting at Unitec Institute of Technology and South Seas Film School. Now an emerging actor and producer in the Film and TV industry, Jewels brings a rich blend of cultural perspectives to her work.