From the dads who taught them to chase their dreams to the ones who never missed a game, our favourite stars are celebrating the men who shaped their lives. This Father’s Day, they share the stories, lessons and little moments that make their super dads so special.
Tia Reweti, 28, Shortland Street actress
Dad: Nicholas Saunders
Tell us about your dad…
I was blessed with a dad who chose me from the moment I entered his life. Growing up, I would always roll my eyes at his wild ideas, but nine times out of 10, he would turn them into reality. He’s a salt of the earth, silly goose that I am honoured to call my dad.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
We have the kind of relationship that we do tell each other all the things we appreciate. Took a while to get here, especially because growing up we were so similar, so we’d often butt heads. But as an adult, our similarities have brought us closer together, which I am extremely grateful for.
A sacrifice my dad made but I didn’t notice at the time was…
Choosing to be my dad. He is not my biological dad, a fact he and I always forget. But as he always says to me, when he met my mum when she was pregnant, it was me who chose him. It has deepened my appreciation for my dad.
I am most proud of the way my dad…
Shows up for the community. He is passionate about helping people and building connections within communities to create safer, happier environments.
Davida McKenzie, 19, Klara and the Sun actress
Dad: Stuart McKenzie
Tell us about your dad…
My dad is the most intelligent and creative person I know. He is constantly coming up with mind-blowing stories and concepts for the films and plays that he writes. He calls my siblings and me at least once a day to check in with what we’re up to around the world, and makes sure we remember how much he loves us.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
I like to think he already knows this, but it’s just that I love him and am grateful for the guidance he gives me every day.
What food most reminds you of your dad?
I was always excited when he made us Thai green chicken curry. He’s passed down his love for cooking to me and it’s one of the most valuable skills I have.
A piece of advice I value is…
When I first moved out of home, he reminded me not to let anyone walk all over me and to always hold my personal values close to my heart. It’s important to remember where you’ve come from and the type of person you want to be.
Jamie Irvine, Tinā actor
Dad: Paul. Jamie is father to Thora, three, and Alfie, 10 months
Tell us about your dad…
He loves his grandkids, loves a good yarn and he’ll say hello to everyone. You can’t take Dad anywhere without him bumping into someone he knows. He’s been a teacher in the Hutt for a long time, so community has always been really important.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
Thanks in a truly meaningful way because words won’t cut it. Dad and Mum have supported me through everything, and I haven’t always made it easy. Their love and kindness have been immense, and they’ve always backed me up and always been there.
Becoming a parent changed how I see my dad because…
It made me appreciate and love my folks so much more. When Melissa and I welcomed Thora, and later Alfie into the world, we immediately knew we would do anything for them. I remember Dad sending me a message the day my daughter was born that said: “Isn’t it the best?”
What is something your dad loved that you didn’t appreciate until you were older?
I’ve inherited a lot of, but not all of, Dad’s taste in music. When we were living in Los Angeles, he and Mum came for a visit, and we went to a Brian Wilson concert. Seeing how much Dad loved the music was a special moment and any time I hear the Beach Boys, I think of him.
Cristina Ionda, The Brokenwood Mysteries actress
Dad: Constantin
Tell us about your dad…
My dad is the human equivalent of a compass and a library combined – he taught me to stand tall, speak my truth and always trust my gut. Our house was so packed with books that I’m pretty sure he used them as both furniture and life guidance.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
You’re not just an amazing dad – you’re the original MVP of patience, wisdom and bad jokes that somehow still make me smile. I love you more than words or my tolerance for your playlist can say!
A piece of advice I value is…
Always be yourself and never trip over someone else’s path, which basically means kindness is the ultimate social lubricant. I’ve found that leaving room for everyone at life’s buffet makes the whole meal taste a lot better.
The moment I realised he’d done his best was…
It hit me during university when I was navigating adult life solo and suddenly heard his voice in my head solving problems like a tiny mental GPS. That’s when I realised he’d spent years quietly installing the ultimate survival software before sending me out into the wild.
Cristina stars in The Brokenwood Mysteries, streaming now on TVNZ+.
Anna Willcox, 34, Crowd Goes Wild reporter
Dad: Hamish. Anna is mother to Ziggy and Ardie
Tell us about your dad…
My dad is so much fun and who I genuinely want to hang out with whenever I get the chance. He’s the most positive person I know and sees the world like a playground to have fun in. He’s empathetic, enthusiastic and an incredible coach to every athlete he crosses paths with.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
Thank you for modelling a full and adventurous life, one driven not by money or status, but by passion, curiosity and fun. Because of you, I followed my passion for skiing. I shouldn’t have been the first Olympian in the family – it should have been you. But I feel so lucky to have carried that dream for both of us.
One thing I wish my children understood about me is…
Empathy and vulnerability are a superpower. My dad cries easily, like me. Watching movies, reading something heartfelt or seeing someone’s dream come true or shatter. I feel things intensely, which can be exhausting during times like this, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope my kids see it as strength, not weakness.
Jacob Spoonley, 38, Sky Sport presenter
Dad: Paul Spoonley ONZM. Jacob is father to Jack, seven, and Beau, two.
Tell us about your dad…
My dad is ever-present. Growing up, he rarely missed a football match in New Zealand or overseas [Jacob is a former All Whites goalkeeper], all while managing the demands of running a university. Now, as a grandad, he is simultaneously responsible for the best and worst behaviours in his three grandkids, Beau, Milo and Jack.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
I try to say thanks every time I see him and show him how much I love him.
What is your favourite Father’s Day memory?
We do dinners almost every week and try to do one for Father’s Day. Seeing him being bossed around by his three grandkids and wife is always a good sight.
What food most reminds you of your dad?
Dad is a great cook. Witnessing his latest Al Brown inspiration is an experience. My one request is that he doesn’t disregard key ingredients.
I am most proud of the way my dad…
has contributed to New Zealand. He is fiercely patriotic and consistently curious about New Zealand’s ever-evolving national exceptionalism.
What is the most “dad” thing your father does?
Almost crashing while pointing out others’ bad driving.
Pax Assadi, 35, Settling actor
Dad: Afnan. Pax is father to Lua, 11, and Vaha, 10
Tell us about your dad…
He came here with nothing but a few hundred bucks in his pocket and a stubborn belief that he would make something of himself. He’s potentially the most resilient, hard-working man I have ever known. Huge heart, endlessly generous and is always more concerned with whether everyone else in the room is happy before himself.
The one thing I wish I could say to my dad is…
That he did a great job raising two boys. He landed in a new country with no manual for any of it and somehow, we both turned out all right. I don’t think he knows how well he did.
I am most proud of the way my dad…
Has grown into a warm, loving and super- fun grandfather. The strict Persian dad I grew up with has done a full caterpillar-to-butterfly metamorphosis. Evidently, this butterfly says yes to ice cream before dinner way too easily. My kids are getting a different guy and, honestly, I’m pumped for them.
A habit I now see as love was when my dad…
Would come home from every single outing with fruit. It didn’t matter where he’d been, he’d walk in with a box of mandarins or peaches, or a watermelon he’d personally inspected at the market. That’s a Persian dad’s way of saying I love you.
Pax has just released his memoir Mortified.
Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, 26, Baddies actress
Dad: Taiarahia Melbourne. Tioreore is pregnant with her first baby
Tell us about your dad…
He pāpā ngākau mahaki. He pāpā mātauranga, koi te hinengaro, ā, he pāpā mauri tau… i te nuinga o te wā! [He’s a gentle-hearted dad, a knowledgeable dad, sharp-minded/clever, and a calm, steady dad… most of the time!] Dad’s a teacher and principal who has dedicated so much of his life to education, and to the movement of kura Te Aho Matua. He has a big heart and would do absolutely anything for us, his mokos and most importantly, our māmā.
How has your dad influenced how you parent?
My dad is a man of deep knowledge in whakapapa [Māori ancestral lineage] and mōteatea [specific traditional Māori chant]. Since we were little, he has recited these to us. I will continue to pass this knowledge on to my own tamariki. It connects us to where we come from and grounds us in who we are.
What are you most thankful to your dad for?
Just being an all-round top man. It’s not often you come across a pāpā like mine. We lost our brother in 2015 and through everything – both before and since then – my dad has never stopped showing up for us kids. He continues to support us, encourage us and stand beside us in everything we do. Kāore he pāpā i tua atu. Arohanui, Pāpā [There’s no other dad like him. Much love, pāpā].
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