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She was a fortunate discovery for Whale Rider (2002). The casting director and casting assistant went to her primary school in Mt Wellington, New Zealand and went through a few hundred children to choose their Paikea. They found her, only because she was playing up and being smart to them: she stood out. During an interview with Jay Leno, she confessed she didn't know how to swim when she was cast in Whale Rider (2002). Moved to New Zealand from Australia when she was four years old. (Her father is Australian and her mother is New Zealand Maori.) Has three younger brothers, Rhys (born February 21, 1992), Liam (born 1996), and Quade (born July 2006), and a little sister Maddisyn (born 2001). Has been learning Maori dances since she was 6. Originally it was thought she was born in New Zealand as she was part Maori and became famous after a New Zealand film. It wasn't until her Oscar nomination that her Australian father revealed that she had in fact been born in Australia. Her best school subjects used to be maths and science, but now she enjoys drama. Stays in contact with her Whale Rider (2002) co-star Cliff Curtis. She often used to compete in and win speech competitions at school. Shares the role of Mary, Jesus' mother, with Pernilla August. She and August have also both appeared in the Star Wars prequels. Boyfriend Bradley Hull, born January 11, 1987.