Christina Asher

Te Aupounamu award 2021 Christina Asher (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngā Rauru, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Rangiwewehi) is one of the most prolific Indigenous casting professionals in the world having launched careers for internationally successful actors and given generously to the Māori film community for over 20 years. Christina is a previous Board member of WIFT and recipient of their Mana Wahine award, and Chair of Ngā Aho Whakaari, and was part of the Te Manu Aute collective of Māori film-makers that preceded Ngā Aho Whakaari in the 1980s.  She is a staunch supporter of emerging Māori screen talent. Christina directed her first documentary in 1993 as part of the first Indigenous International co-production television series From Spirit to Spirit; her most recent - What Are We Going To Do About Mum? - in 2016 for the Pakipumeka documentary series on Māori Television. Works primarily in Casting Drama.