Sir Ian Mune KNZM, OBE

Actor / Commercial / Voice
Age Range

67—90

Height

170cm

Eye Colour

Green

Hair Colour

White

Ethnicity

New Zealander

Based In

Auckland, New Zealand

Voice Style

Character / Corporate / Documentary / Promo Radio/TV / Promo Retail / Soft Sell / Straight / Voice Acting

Ian Mune has built a unique international reputation from a lifetime of work, based in his native New Zealand: as writer, actor, director, producer, and mentor. His 2024 knighthood was a fitting recognition.

He has been a constant presence in the New Zealand and Australian performing landscape for more than four decades. The face (“pummelled out of dough”) and the unmistakably growly voice have been put to a wide variety of uses.

Having made an early decision to set aside the opportunity of joining the Royal Shakespeare Company and return from the UK to “talk my own language”, it is not surprising that Ian has long been a passionate promoter of the telling of Antipodean stories, and of an untrammelled creative environment. 

He is specially identified with many of the milestones of Kiwi cinema and television as performer, producer, director and writer. His screen debut was in pioneering drama series Pukemanu (1971), an opportunity also to start developing writing skills.

Ian’s longtime collaboration with Roger Donaldson included Sleeping Dogs, regarded as one of the pivotal moments in New Zealand’s cinematic renaissance. Ian co-wrote Goodbye Pork Pie, and his feature film directorial debut was another homegrown classic, 1985‘s Came A Hot Friday. Bringing international award winner The End of the Golden Weather to the big screen in 1991 was a major personal and public highlight.

Having declined Once Were Warriors, Ian stepped in at short notice to direct the sequel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? which won nine of its 13 New Zealand Film Awards in 1999 and remains his biggest commercial success.

More recently Ian showed his documentary skills with Billy T - Te Movie, a widely praised and heartfelt tribute to one of his earliest creative partners, and a top grossing New Zealand release in 2011.

Awards are not new, but the 2024 knighthood, added to a raft of awards - including an OBE in 1991 for services to Film and Theatre - underlining the remarkable impact he continues to have in finding our voice and celebrating Australasian culture. In ‘Mune - an Autobiography’, published in 2010, he not only tells the story of a Tauranga farm boy who fell in love with acting, but captures the frustrating, painful, exhilarating and sometimes triumphant business in which he has played such a big part.

When The New Zealand Herald asked how it felt to be made a knight of the realm, Ian Mune ‘burst into a booming laugh’. ‘If it’s used on formal occasions, that’ll be fine - I just don’t want my kids calling me Sir Dad,” he joked. The acting great has countless accolades to his name, including ‘Television Legend’ status, but he doesn’t want to get “too carried away with the formalities”.

To another sir, with love

New Zealand’s other actor Knight, Sir Sam Neill, spoke to The New Zealand Herald about his longtime friend and collaborator:

“I can think of no-one who has contributed more to New Zealand film, television and theatre singlehandedly than Ian Mune. His complete devotion to this country and our culture has to be applauded and now it’s rewarded. As a writer as a director and as an actor his contribution is absolutely immeasurable."

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/31/exclusive-sir-sam-neill-talks-deserving-new-knight-sir-ian-mune/

Sir Ian Mune KNZM, OBE

Artist Resume

Television

Year
Role
Production

2024

Rocky Rockhouse

PIKE RIVER

31 Films Ltd / Madman Entertainment

Dir. Robert Sarkies

2022

Ron

Sweet Tooth Season 3 - Ep 1 "The Beginning is Also the End"

Nightshade Team Downey DC Entertainment / Warner Bros. Television

Dir. Toa Fraser

2021

Frank

The Pact - Limited Series - 6 x Episodes

Koha Productions for TVNZ

Dir. Peter Salmon

2020

Knight in Hollow

Letter for the King - 6 x Episodes

Filmwave for Netflix

Dir. Felix Thompson / Alex Holmes / Charles Martin

2017

Pummel

The Brokenwood Mysteries S4 Ep4 As If Nothing Had Happened

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

2016

Jim Walsh

Wanted S2

Matchbox Productions

Dir. Robert Sarkies

2015

Jim Walsh

Wanted S1

Matchbox Productions

Dir. Peter Templeman/Jennifer Leacey

2014

Neil Dryden

Agent Anna S2

Great Southern Television

Dir. Murray Keane

2013

Mark

Sunny Skies

Dir. Mike Smith

2012

Mark

The Wilde Bunch

Subtext Ltd

Dir. Mike Smith

2012

Neil Dryden

Agent Anna

Great Southern Television Limited

Dir. Vanessa Alexander

2011

Writer/Director

Billy T: Te Movie

Dir. Ian Mune

2011

Brian Raynor Eps. 4757-4659

Shortland Street

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

2010

Brian Raynor Eps. 4551. 4552

Shortland Street

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

2010

Jack

This is not my Life

GRST Limited

Dir. Robert Sarkies

2010

Cummings

Spies and Lies

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Simon Bennett

2008

Reg

Burying Brian

Eyeworks Touchdown

Dir. Trevor Harwkins

2007

The Incredible Master Zero

Amazing Extraordinary Friends

Greenstone Pictures

Dir. Geoffrey Cawthorn

2004

Prime Minister Churchill

Ike Countdown to D-Day

Film Factory Ike Productions Ltd US Production

Dir. Robert Harmon

2003

Buster Keaton

Lucy

Film Factory Lucy Productions Ltd

Dir. Glenn Jordan

2002

Keiths Vater Frank Wade

Der Liebe entgegem

Dir. Martin Enlen

2002

Henk Van Der Velter

Mercy Peak (4 eps.)

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

2002

Grandpa Ted

Being Eve

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

2002

Detective

Mataku

South Pacific Pictures

2001

Henk Van der Velter

Mercy Peak (2 eps.)

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

1997

Menus Maxius

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Pacific Renaissance

Dir. Garth Maxwell

1997

Henry Bolte

The Last of the Ryans

Crawfords Australia

Dir. George Oglivie

1996

King Sidon

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Pacific Renaissance

Dir. Kevin Sorbo

1995

Sir Robert Muldoon

Fallout

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Chris Bailey

1994

Colin

Letter to Blanchy

Ismabard Productions Ltd

Dir. Various

1992

Wilbur Skeggins

Shortland Street

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Angela Bloomfield

1992

Michael Weston

Marlin Bay

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Various

1990

Officer

Commonwealth Games promo - Join Together

Flying Fish

Dir. Lee Tamahori

1990

Pikes

The Ray Bradbury Theatre

Atlantis Films

Dir. Lee Tamahori

1989

Worty Yam

Worzel Gummidge Down Under (2 eps.)

Dir. Graham Mclean

1988

Ian (Himself)

Erebus: The Aftermath

Television New Zealand

Dir. Peter Sharp

1985

Subject

Kaleidoscope - Larry Parr

Television New Zealand

Dir. Greg Rood

1982

Cedric Horn

One of those Blighters

Pallet Productions

Dir. Lynton Butler

1980

Uncle Roger

Sea Urchins

Limelight Television

Dir. Mark Defriest

1977

Leo Moynihan

Moynihan

Television New Zealand

Dir. Various

1976

Marvello The Magician

Hunter's Gold

South Pacific Pictures

Dir. Tom Parkinson

1975

Gardiner Adams

Homicide

Dir. Colin Eggleston

1974

Circus Ringmaster

Carnival Coast

The National Film Unit

Dir. Michael Reeves

1972

John Sitwell

Section 7

New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC)

Dir. Tony Isaac

1971

Rod Booth

Pukemanu

New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC)

Theatre

Year
Role
Production

2020

Brovik

The Master Builder

Auckland Theatre Company

Dir. Colin McColl

2019

Winston Churchill

The Audience

Auckland Theatre Company

Dir. Colin McColl

2018

Tips

The Cherry Orchard

Auckland Theatre Company

Dir. Colin McColl

2017

Charles Dixon

The Spirit House

Nightsong

Dir. Ben Crowder/Carl Bland

2016

Judge Taylor/Walter Cunningham

To Kill A Mockingbird

Auckland Theatre Company

Dir. Colin McColl

Feature Film

Year
Role
Production

2024

Howie Wicker

The Rule of Jenny Pen

Light in the Dark Productions / Galaxy Pictures

Dir. James Ashcroft

2023

Pensioner

Night Freaks

Dir. David Blyth

2019

Verl

The Other Side of Heaven 2: Fire of Faith

Barrow Group

Dir. Mitch Davis

2017

Norman

Kiwi Christmas

Kiwi Christmas Films Ltd.

Dir. Tony Simpson

2017

Priest

Vermilion

MF Films

Dir. Dorthe Sheffmann

2014

Zane

Shepherd 2154

Zorp Films

Dir. Julia Reynolds

2014

Judge

Housebound

Semi-Professional

Dir. Gerald Johnstone

2013

Frank

Ghost Bride

ILA Film Productions

Dir. David Blyth

2012

Mr Abercrombie

Two Little Boys

New Zealand Film Production

Dir. Robert Sarkies

2011

Graham

Rest for the Wicked

RFTW Limited

Dir. Simon Pattison

2010

Dr Nelson

Wound

ILA Film Productions

Dir. Daid Blyth

2010

Norm

The Insatiable Moon

The Insatiable Moon (NZ) Limited

Dir. Rosemary Riiddell

2009

Bill

I'm Not Harry Jenson

Four Knights Film

Dir. James Napier

2008

Ron Cradle

A Song of Good

Headstrong

Dir. Gregory King

2006

Slum Landlord

Perfect Creature

Perfect Creature Limited

Dir. Glen Standring

2004

Dave Johnson

Spooked

Silverscreenfilms Limited

Dir. Geoff Murphy

2001

Bounder

The Lord of the Rings:The Fellowship of the Ring

Three Foot Six Limited

Dir. Peter Jackson

2000

Gary

Savage Honeymoon

Rocket Pictures

Dir. Mark Beesley

1999

Worden

Nightmare Man

Isambard Productions Ltd

Dir. Jim Kaufman

1997

Ian (Himself)

Topless Women Talk about their Lives

John Swimmer Productions

Dir. Harry Sinclair

1994

Judge

Once Were Warriors

Communicado Productions

Dir. Lee Tamahori

1993

Reverend

The Piano

Jan Chapman Productions

Dir. Jane Campion

1988

Mangin

Backstage

Burrowes Film Group

Dir. Jonathan Hardy

1985

Barry Gordon

Shaker Run

Mirage Films

Dir. Bruce Morrison

1985

Hana

Dangerous Orphans

Cinepro

Dir. John Laing

1983

Ian (Himself)

The Last Kids on Earth

US Production

1977

Bullen

Sleeping Dogs

Aardvark Films

Dir. Roger Donaldson

1973

Jake

Rangi's Catch

Michael Forlong Productions / Children's Film Foundation of Great Brita

Dir. Michael Forlong

Short Film

Year
Role
Production

2019

Stanley

Stella

Stella and Stanley Ltd.

2015

Writer

Periscope

Vix Pix Productions (NZ)

Dir. Vicky Yiannoutsos

2015

Writer

Train Station

Vix Pix Productions (NZ)

Dir. Vicky Yiannoutsos

2001

Short

Cow

53 Productions Limited

Dir. Michael Bennett

1997

Satan un-babed

D.S.B

Independent and General Productions

Dir. Scott Cooksley

1989

Ian (Himself)

Thunderbox

Dir. Lee Tamahori

1980

U Boat Commodore

Nutcase

Aardvark Films

Dir. Roger Donaldson

Music Video

Year
Role
Production

2013

Lead

Hold My Hand - Jen Clothier Music Video

Commercial

Year
Role
Production

2024

Brian

Arvida - Bob & Friends

Goodoil

2023

Neighbour

The Warehouse – Christmas

The Warehouse

2017

Himself

Anti-Litter TVC Campaign

BrandWorld

2017

Neighbour

Farmers / Secret Santa

Juma Entertainment

Voice Over

Year
Role
Production

2020

Lead Voice

Four Square - Brand Radio Campaign

FCB New Zealand

2019

Lead Voice

Scapegrace: The Nature of Black - Launch Campaign

Rogue Society Distilling

2017

Narrator

Seafood NZ TVC Campaign

2016

Narrator

Paper Plus Radio Campaign

2015

Narrator

TMI TVC Campaign

2014

Narrator

Stihl TVC Campaign

2014

Narrator

Wiki The Kiwi S2 - TV Series

Flux Animation

Dir. Brent Chambers

2013

Narrator (Voice)

Wiki The Kiwi S1 - TV Series

Flux Animations

Dir. Brent Chambers

2013

Narrator

Cerebos Greggs Radio Campaign

2013

Narrator

Westpac Animatics

2012

Bill (Telephone) On-going since 2008 to present 2012

Telestra Clear

2012

Narrator

Westpac Animatics

2010

Narrator

Pams

2000

Narrator

Tarawera

1997

Narrator

Hillary: A View from the Top - The Early Years

1995

Narrator

Nuclear Reaction

Awards

Year
Role
Production

2024

Appointed

Knight Companion New Zealand Order of Merit - for services to film, television and theatre.

New Year Honours 2024

2022

Winner - Best Actor

The Pact

NZTV Awards 2022

2022

Awarded

Television Legend - given to those who have made a significant contribution to the local television industry.

NZTV Awards

2020

Recipient Winner

Equity New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award

Equity Ensemble Awards

2008

Nominee - Best Supporting Actor in Film

A Song of Good

Qantas Film and Television Awards

2000

Winner

Rudall Hayward Award

Qantas Film and Television Awards

1999

Winner - Best Director

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted

Nokia New Zealand Film Awards

1998

Winner - Best Actor

Home Movie

TV Guide Television Awards

1996

Winner - Best Screenplay

The Whole of the Moon

TV Guide NZ Film and Television Awards

1996

Winner - First Prize (Golden Gryphon)

The Whole of the Moon

Giffoni International Film Festival (Children's Film Festival, Italy)

1996

Winner - Best Supporting Actor - Television

Cover Story, episode 3

TV Guide New Zealand Film and Television Awards

1995

Winner - Best Actor - Television

Fallout

New Zealand Film and Television Awards

1993

Winner - Best Directing for a Dramatic Series

The Ray Bradbury Theater, "Great Wide World Over There" episode

CableAce Awards (United States)

1993

Winner - Outstanding Foreign Film

The End of the Golden Weather

Young Artist Awards (United States)

1992

Winner - Best Film

The End of the Golden Weather

NZ Film and Television Awards

1992

Winner - Best Director

The End of the Golden Weather

NZ Film and Television Awards 1992

1992

Winner - First Prize (Golden Gryphon)

The End of the Golden Weather

Giffoni International Film Festival

1991

Appointed an Officer

Order of the British Empire - for services to film and theatre

New Year Honours

1988

Winner - Best Male Performance in a Dramatic Role - Television

Erebus: The Aftermath

Listener Film and Television Awards

1986

Winner - Best Director

Came a Hot Friday

National Mutual GOFTA Awards

1986

Winner - Best Screenplay - Adaptation Film (shared with Dean Parker)

Came a Hot Friday

National Mutual GOFTA Awards

1986

Winner - Best Film

Came a Hot Friday

National Mutual GOFTA Awards

1981

Winner - Best Script (shared with John Banas)

Little Big Man Takes a Shot at the Moon

Feltex Television Awards (New Zealand)

1979

Winner - Best Drama

The Mad Dog Gang Meets Rotten Fred and Ratsguts

Feltex Television Awards

1977

Winner - Best Actor

Winners and Losers and Moynihan

Feltex Television Awards

1977

Winner - Best Script

The God Boy

Feltex Television Awards

1976

Nominated for Best Actor

The Woman at the Store

Feltex Television Awards

1976

Winner - Best Script (shared with Peter Hansard

The Woman at the Store

Feltex Television Awards

1975

Winner - Best Actor

Derek

Feltex Television Awards

1975

Winner - Best Drama

Derek

Feltex Television Awards

Documentary

Year
Role
Production

2016

Narrator

Loading Docs 2016 - How Mr and Mrs Gock Saved the Kumara

Diva Productions

Dir. Felicity Morgan-Rhind

2007

Subject

The Life of Ian

3rd Party Productions

Dir. John Carlaw

2000

Subject

Numero Bruno

Hoodwink Pictures

Dir. Steve La Hood

2000

Narrator

Tarawera

Messeger Films

Dir. Richard Riddiford

1997

Narrator

Hillary: A View from the Top - The Early Years

Television New Zealand

Dir. John Carlaw

1996

Subject

In the Shadow of King Lear

Valhalla

1995

Narrator

Nuclear Reaction

George Andrews Productions

1993

Subject

By the Light of the Silvery Mune

Television New Zealand

1991

Subject 1989 - 1991

Magic Kiwis

Communicado Productions

Dir. Roger Price

1990

Subject

Cowboys of Culture

Vidcom

Dir. Geoff Stevens

Other

Year
Role
Production

2002

Director 4 Episodes

Mercy Peak

1999

Director

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

1997

Director 1994 - 1997

Letter to Blanchy

1996

Writer

The Whole of the Moon

1995

Writer / Director

Dead Certs

Dir. Ian Mune

1993

Director 1 Episode

Soldier Soldier

1992

Director 2 Episodes

The Ray Bradbury Theatre

1991

The End of the Golden Weather

1990

Writer 1987 - 1990

Gloss

1990

Director

The Grass Cutter

1986

Co-Writer/Director

Bridge to Nowhere

1985

Co-Writer/Director

Came a Hot Friday

1984

Writer

The Silent One

1983

Writer

The Mad Dog Gang

1981

Writer

Goodbye Pork Pie

1980

Writer

Nutcase

1980

Writer

Blackhearted Barney Blackfoot

1977

Writer

The Godboy

1977

Writer

Sleeping Dogs

1975

Writer 1 Episode

Matlock Police

1975

Writer 1974 - 1975

Buck House

1974

Writer

Buck House - Escorts Unlimited Limited

1971

Writer

Pukemanu

Co-Writer/Producer/Director

The Woman at the Store

Director

Hercules ll

Script and Casting Work in LA and London

The Bounty

Writer / Director

Dracula