Lee Tamahori, a James Bond director who is also responsible for one of the greatest films in New Zealand’s history, has died.

He was 75.

In a statement to Radio New Zealand , his family said he died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

“His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart,” the statement said. “A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed Māori talent both on and off screen.

“He ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with Mahana and his latest film The Convert , reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa. We’ve lost an immense creative spirit.”

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