Hundreds pay respects to Don Selwyn 

Many of the pioneers of New Zealand's film industry turned out at Wharauroa Marae in Taumarunui to farewell veteran film director and actor Don Selwyn.

Selwyn, 71, passed away at North Shore hospital last Friday after complications from a kidney infection.

His career as an actor and director spanned more than 40 years and he was one of the first Maori actors to take a lead role in television drama.

Selwyn brought Maori culture to international screens through roles on Mortimer's Patch and Sleeping Dogs, and changed the way stories were told.

"Instead of it being Maori stories under the umbrella of the Pakeha establishment, it was Maori stories, by Maori, in Maori," said Actor/Director Ian Mune.

He was a founding member of the New Zealand Maori Theatre Trust, and set up a film and television training course for Maori and Pacific people.

Hundreds turned out to pay their respects.

"Thank you Don for everything that you have done for Aotearoa and little fellas like myself," said actor/director Jim Moriarty.

Selwyn's last work was to bring to life the 1945 Maori translation of The Merchant of Venice, a project combining his passion for Shakespeare with his life-long commitment to the Maori language.