New Zealand’s latest cinematic success, Tinā, has taken the country by storm, surpassing $1 million in its opening weekend. The film is currently No. 1 at the box office, earning $1,324,529 to date with nearly 84,000 tickets sold.

Tinā also set a new record for the widest release of a New Zealand film, screening at 128 locations across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa. It now ranks as the third-biggest opening week for a New Zealand film, behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sione’s 2: Unfinished Business.

New Zealand Film Commission CEO Annie Murray said the success of Tinā shows the power of investing in local storytelling.

“The incredible debut of Tinā isn’t just a win for this film – it’s a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when we invest in stories that reflect who we are. Audiences have shown up in record numbers, proving there’s real appetite for authentic, well-crafted storytelling from our own filmmakers. We need to keep this momentum going.”

Murray said Tinā is also well positioned for success beyond New Zealand and the Pacific, with strong international sales potential.

“A Kiwi film’s box office success is just one part of its overall return. International sales bring revenue back into the pockets of producers and investors. Successful sales will not only generate income for the filmmakers but also offset the investment made by the NZFC, allowing us to continue supporting future New Zealand stories.”

“We’re overjoyed that audiences have connected so positively with a local story, led by one of our local heroes, Anapela Polata’ivao. Our Pacific stories have an audience.”

Light House Cinema owner Simon Werry said the response from moviegoers had been overwhelmingly positive.

“Audiences are loving Tinā, and we’re already seeing plenty of repeat viewings. It’s a pleasure to see a New Zealand film performing so well.”

Ross Churchouse, owner of Lido Hamilton and Cathay Kerikeri, agreed.

“Tinā is the film we all need right now. There hasn’t been a New Zealand film that’s packed such an emotional punch – it brings the whole audience together right to the very end.”

An inspiring, heartwarming, and humorous drama, Tinā follows the journey of Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher struggling with grief after losing her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes. Reluctantly stepping into a substitute teaching role at an elite private school, she discovers students in desperate need of guidance, inspiration, and love.

The film stars acclaimed Samoan actress Anapela Polataivao (Our Flag Means Death, Night Shift, The Breaker Upperers) as Mareta, alongside newcomer Antonia Robinson as Sophie. The cast also includes Beulah Koale (Hawai’i Five-0, Next Goal Wins, Bad Behaviour) and Nicole Whippy (Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street).

Directed, written, and produced by Miki Magasiva, Tinā was produced by Dan Higgins and Mario Gaoa. The film was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Grant, and NZ On Air, with financing support from Kiwibank Limited. Madman Entertainment is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia.