Mālō Lava, Tinā! Heartwarming Local Drama Achieves $5 Million At Box Office, Placing It Among NZ’s Most Successful Films

The uplifting and locally made Tinā has continued its strong cinematic run in Aotearoa New Zealand, passing the $5 million mark in its seventh week of release. Tinā has earned $5,030,777 to date, with over 321,952 ticket sales.

Proving it’s struck a chord with audiences, Tinā also set a record for the widest release of a New Zealand film, screening across 128 locations in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa. Ranking as the third-biggest NZ opening week of all time, behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione's 2: Unfinished Business.

New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO, Annie Murray, says the sustained interest in Tinā clearly demonstrates a desire from audiences to see themselves reflected on screen.

“The record audience numbers who’ve shown up for Tinā prove there’s very real affection and support for well-crafted and authentic stories from our homegrown filmmakers. The film’s success is a compelling case on how investing in stories which reflect who we are, leads to both critical and commercial success.”

The film’s director, writer and producer Miki Magasiva is overwhelmed by the reception Tinā has received from cinemagoers.

"No words, just gratitude, thank you Aotearoa, this is a massive honour for us. A wonderful surprise and huge vote of confidence for our entire team, fa’afetai tele lava!”

Tinā producer, Dan Higgins added, “The success of the film is a testament to finding your audience, Tinā has found that in the Pasifika community and beyond. Tinā is a film to see in cinema as a shared experience and Kiwis are doing this in their thousands. It’s not just Kiwis wanting to see the film, with sold out Australian premieres and the American market screaming out for showings.”

Madman Entertainment CEO, Paul Wiegard says the milestone confirms a strong correlation between audience turnout and the emotional honesty of the film.

“The success of Tinā at the New Zealand box office is testament to investing in films that reflect the audiences’ life experience on screen. Kudos to the NZ filmmaking team for celebrating cultural heritage, hope, and the transformative power of storytelling. The character of Mareta is powerful role model, and one that cinemagoers have engaged with whole-heartedly.”

Following its release, Tinā has also cemented its position in New Zealand film history by entering the Top Ten Most Successful Kiwi Films list at number six:

1. Hunt For the Wilderpeople (2016) – $12,207,699

Boy (2010) – $9,322,000

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005) – $7,059,147

Once Were Warriors (1994) – $6,801,471

Whale Rider (2003) – $6,496,371

Tinā (2025) – $5,030,777

Sione’s Wedding (2006) – $4,075,000

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (1999) – $3,201,000

What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – $2,595,000

Footrot Flats (1986) – $2,400,000

A powerful and uplifting Kiwi story

An inspiring, heartwarming, and humorous drama, Tinā follows the journey of Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher struggling with grief after losing her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes. Reluctantly taking on a substitute teaching role at an elite private school, she discovers students in desperate need of guidance, inspiration, and love.

The film stars acclaimed Samoan actress Anapela Polataivao (Our Flag Means Death, Night Shift, The Breaker Upperers) as Mareta, alongside newcomer Antonia Robinson as Sophie. The cast also includes Beulah Koale (Hawai’i Five-0, Next Goal Wins, Bad Behaviour) and Nicole Whippy (Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street).

Directed, written, and produced by Miki Magasiva, Tinā was produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa. The film was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, and NZ On Air, with financing support from Kiwibank Limited. Madman Entertainment is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia.

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