At the heart of the Pacific: Auckland’s starring role in Chief of War

When Chief of War launched globally on Apple TV+ on 1 August, it didn’t just make waves, it claimed the number one spot worldwide.

Yet while the nine-part series, starring and co-created by Jason Momoa, tells the story of Hawaii’s turbulent past, much of its success was crafted far from the Pacific Islands, right here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Filmed at locations ranging from the region’s Waitākere Ranges to the wild west coast beaches, the production captured more than Auckland’s stunning landscapes. It built deep cultural partnerships with local iwi and communities, many of whom played an active role in supporting the project.

Screen Auckland Manager Matthew Horrocks calls the production “a pivotal event” for the region.

“It combined the challenges of a large-scale production with sensitive west coast locations, all during the impact and aftermath of the Auckland Anniversary Day floods and Cyclone Gabrielle,” he says. 

“The sheer scale of the production required complex navigation across logistics, community impact, environmental sensitivities and meaningful engagement with mana whenua. Credit is due to the production team for their skills and relationship-building in achieving that.”  

Those partnerships included iwi such as Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua Kaipara, Ngāti Te Ata and Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki, with support from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

Robin Taua-Gordon, Social Outcome Manager, Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, says, "Being involved in the process of Chief of War, from whakatau to cultural advice, before and during productions, to seeing our whenua represented so beautifully on screen at the premiere was a memorable experience for Te Kawerau ā Maki. We look forward to continuing to build authentic relationships." 

With a reported budget of US$340 million (NZ$575 million), Chief of War ranks among the most expensive television series ever produced and has won critical acclaim. USA Today called it “a towering accomplishment… the prettiest and bloodiest history lesson you’ll get all year,” while Variety praised it as “an intense, thrilling cinematic epic.” 

The New Zealand Herald highlighted its cultural depth, describing it as a long-time passion project for Momoa and co-writer Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. 

For globally acclaimed New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis, who appears alongside Temuera Morrison, Te Kohe Tuhaka and Luciane Buchanan, the project is proof of what Aotearoa can deliver.

“It’s a great example of a world-class show made for a global audience right here in Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Curtis.

The cast also featured All Black legends Piri Weepu, Renee Ranger, Frank Bunce, Troy Flavell, Kees Meeuws, and Pita Alatini as Koa – proud Polynesian warriors – adding another uniquely local layer to the project.

Despite telling a Hawaiian story, the production has become a love letter to New Zealand, with Jason Momoa making it clear: Chief of War is “nothing without Aotearoa.” 

That connection runs deeper than film.

“We’re delighted to hear Jason Momoa is looking to move to Aotearoa, indicating he has clearly formed a relationship with the people and the whenua,” says Matthew Horrocks.

As global eyes turn to Chief of War, Auckland can proudly claim its place at the heart of a story that connects cultures, communities, and the Pacific.