The film world is in mourning after the death of Lee Tamahori, the visionary New Zealand director behind one of the most daring James Bond films ever made. He passed away peacefully at 75 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1950, Tamahori was of both Māori and British heritage, a blend that shaped his storytelling voice. He began his career behind the camera, working on local productions before breaking through internationally with the 1994 masterpiece Once Were Warriors, a raw, emotional portrayal of a Māori family’s struggles. The film shattered box-office records in New Zealand and drew global acclaim, marking Tamahori as one of cinema’s most fearless and authentic voices.

Hollywood quickly took notice. Tamahori went on to direct major films including The Edge starring Anthony Hopkins, Along Came a Spider with Morgan Freeman, and most famously, Die Another Day, Pierce Brosnan’s final outing as James Bond. Featuring Halle Berry’s unforgettable beach scene and Madonna’s edgy title track, the film became one of the franchise’s biggest commercial successes. Though critics were divided, fans still remember its bold action sequences, futuristic gadgets, and Tamahori’s signature visual flair.

Yet his heart never left home. In later years, he returned to New Zealand to tell deeply personal stories like Mahana and The Convert, reconnecting with his roots and showcasing the beauty and resilience of Māori culture.

His family’s tribute said it best: “His legacy endures with every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his honest heart.” Tamahori’s life reminds us that true art bridges cultures — and that courage behind the camera can change how the world sees itself.