Future Hollywood star found in Upper Hutt boxing gym
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.
Poll: How are you feeling about the role of AI in business and everyday life? 🤖💻
The Post reports that nearly two-thirds of business leaders are feeling optimistic about 2026 ... with much of that confidence driven by the rollout of AI.
We want to know: How are you feeling about the growing role of AI in business and everyday life?
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6.7% Excited
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72.2% Cautious
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21.1% Somewhere in between
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New Year, New Brain Teaser! 🧠🤓
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