1546 days ago

Future Hollywood star found in Upper Hutt boxing gym

Reporter Community News

James Matamua is a name to remember.

The Upper Hutt 22 year-old has taken an unlikely path to acting stardom after being discovered in an Upper Hutt boxing gym.

When Kiwi director Sam Kelly walked into the Heretaunga Boxing Gym, he wasn’t expecting to find New Zealand’s next big talent. But that is exactly what Kelly found when he handed out audition forms to the young men hanging around after training.

Matamua was so confident he’d get the role after auditioning, James started signing off as ’’Next Big Thing’’ in his emails to the producer, telling them not to bother auditioning anyone else. It was this confidence, humour and natural charm that endeared the casting team to him and won him the role.

Matamua scored a role in Savages, a film about the early history of gangs in New Zealand.

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More messages from your neighbours
K
3 days ago

Begonia house to be demolished at botanic gardens

Karl from Alicetown

It's outrageous that the Wellington City Council are going to demolish the Begonia house at the Botanic gardens. This is an asset. One would have thought the green faction of the council would have supported fixing it. It's strange no one has questioned the price required to fix it. Cycle ways more important than begonia house i think not

G
8 hours ago

Home Hosting Sherbrooke Canada

Graham from Hutt Central

Last week our club hosted eleven people from Quebec for six nights.We had a wonderful time with our French speaking guests.Luckily their English was better than our French.We enjoyed showing them the highlights of Wgtn including Otari reserve,cable car, botanic gardens,waterfront & Te Papa Join our Club and make new friends around the world . in February we will be hosting the club from New York
and in May 2025 our club will visit Taiwan. Wellington Friendship Force facebook for more details.

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2 days ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 75.8% Yes
    75.8% Complete
  • 22.8% No
    22.8% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1956 votes