Donna Akersten MNZM
Actor / Commercial / Voice
Age Range
73—83
Ethnicity
New Zealander
Based In
Wellington, New Zealand
Voice Style
Animation / Character / Corporate / Documentary / Retail - Soft Sell / Straight / Voice Acting
Donna Akersten is a seasoned performer whose voice carries a depth shaped by decades of stage and screen experience. Rich, resonant, and naturally articulate, her delivery brings sophistication and clarity to narration, commercial reads, and dramatic material alike. Whether voicing strong matriarchs, trusted narrators, or characters with nuance and emotional truth, Donna’s performances exude both authority and warmth.
Voice qualities:
• Tone: Mature, resonant, and expressive
• Energy: Grounded and steady
• Style: Articulate, classic, and emotionally connected
• Accents: Neutral New Zealand, refined RP (British), light American
• Strength: Commanding presence with a warm, intelligent delivery
Stengths & Specialities:
• Commercial: Premium, trusted voice for high-end and heartfelt brands
• Character Work: Strong, elegant characters with gravitas and humour
• Audiobooks: Literary, historical, and drama genres
• Explainers: Clear, calm instructional or institutional reads
• Audio Drama: Mature characters, maternal roles, and narrators with presence
Studio & Recording capabilities:
• Studio booking required (no home studio)
• Based in New Zealand; available for in-person or remote sessions
• Delivers broadcast-quality audio via preferred studio setups
Donna Akersten MNZM - RBA Management - Demo Reel2.1
Donna Akersten MNZM - RBA Management - Demo Reel2
Artist Resume
Stage
Year
Role
Production
2012
Laura
A Shortcut to Happiness
Circa Theatre
Dir. Ross Jolly
2012
Chris
Calendar Girls
Fortune Theatre
Dir. Shane Anthony
2011
Elizabeth (the older)
When the Rain Stops Falling
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2010
Rita
The Birthday Boy
Circa Theatre
Dir. Jane Waddell
2010
Mrs Gottlieb
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2009
Ludmilla
Where are You My Only Love
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2009
Mother
Red Riding Hood
Circa Theatre
Dir. Ross Jolly
2007
Voinitskaia
Uncle Vanya
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2006
Deborah
The Book Club
Auckland Theatre Company
Dir. Colin McColl
2005
Charlotta
The Cherry Orchard
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2005
Aunty
U-Boat
Downstage
Dir. Peter Tait
2004
Frances Beale
The Breath of Life
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2004
Ursula Loyer
Vincent in Brixton
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2003
Julienne
Conversations After a Burial
Circa Theatre
Dir. Ross Jolly
2003
Flora Humble
Humble Boy
Circa Theatre
Dir. Ross Jolly
2002
Meg
The Birthday Party
Circa Theatre
Dir. Ross Jolly
2002
Miss Prism
The Importance of Being Ernest
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2001
Lorraine
Take a Chance on Me
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2000
Irena
The Seagull
Circa Theatre
Dir. Susan Wilson
2000
Claire
A Delicate Balance
Circa Theatre
Dir. Bruce Philips
Feature Film
Year
Role
Production
2009
Greta
Separation City
Separation City Ltd
Dir. Paul Middleditch
1998
Joyce
Via Satellite
Satellite Films
Dir. Anthony McCarten
1994
Mrs Monaghan
The Last Tattoo
Plumb Productions
Dir. John Reid
1994
Mrs Mackersey
Bread and Roses
Preston Laing Productions
Dir. Gaylene Preston
1991
Fiona
Te Rua
Pacific Films (Berlin)
Dir. Barry Barclay
1985
Malvina Jacobs
Dangerous Orphans
Dir. John Laing
1982
Doreen
Bad Blood
Southern Pictures
Dir. Mike Newell
1980
Joy
Squeeze
Trilogic Film Productions
Dir. Richard Turner
1979
Judy
Middle-Age Spread
Endeavour Productions
Dir. John Reid
1977
Mary
Sleeping Dogs
Aardvark Films
Dir. Roger Donaldson
Television
Year
Role
Production
2013
Judy Cooper
Shortland Street
South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
2011
Susan Ward
The Mystery of the Opals
Polyphon International Film und Fernseh
Dir. Thomas Hezel
2002
Clare
The Strip
Gibson Group
Dir. Various
2002
Rebecca
Revelations
Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group New Zealand
Dir. Various
1999
Prue Digby
Jacksons Wharf
South Pacific PIctures
Dir. Various
1998
Guest Role
William Tell
Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group New Zealand
Dir. Various
1997
Leonie Coigley
Mirror Mirror 1995-1997
Gibson Group
Dir. Various
1997
Marilyn Bluck
Shortland Street 1995-1997
South Pacific Pictures
Dir. Various
1992
Mary
Matrons of Honour
Meridian Film Productions
Dir. Pat Robins
1990
Anges Brock
The Ray Bradbury Theatre
TVNZ
Dir. Roger Tompkins
Video
Year
Role
Production
2004
Donna Akersten
Anchor Bay Entertainment
Dir. John Reid
Voice Over
Year
Role
Production
1989
Samantha the Cat/The Sheep
Meet The Feebles
WingNut Film
Dir. Peter Jackson