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: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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8.8% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.6% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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70.6% Nah - not for me
Mitre 10 $20 Store Card Boxing Day Promotion
If you shopped at Mitre 10 Masterton on Boxing Day, redeemed a Mitre 10 Gift Card, but was refused a $20 Store Card for every $100 spent, contact Mitre 10 Customer & Store Support at customersupport@mitre10.co.nz.
Mitre 10 Masterton staff misinterpreted the promotion’s terms & conditions, as can be seen in the screenshot of the email I received in response to my query after my partner redeemed a $200 Mitre 10 Gift Card and was told she was ineligible for two $20 Store Cards
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
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