A talent for being a bit cheeky is taking 12-year-old Nātana Mika places, from television screens to the stage at Tauranga’s Baycourt.

The Tauranga Intermediate student, who is of Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngāti Ranginui descent, appeared in Tāne Rore during this month’s Tauranga Arts Festival, bringing his trademark wit and energy to an intergenerational story celebrating Māori men.

Nātana caught the attention of audiences when the cast performed a teaser at the festival launch in August, prompting one question: “Who IS that young guy with the cheeky face?”

His acting journey began at about 9, after his uncle, local artist and Tāne Rore creative director Jason Te Mete, spotted his potential.

That instinct has since been backed by casting directors and reviewers. Following the original production of Tāne Rore last year, one reviewer described Nātana as “a star in the making”, praising his ability to hold his own alongside much older performers at the age of 11.

Nātana Mika, 12, says he will probably continue acting, although he finds serious roles more challenging than cheeky ones. Photo / Supplied

He has already built an impressive screen portfolio, including Wrecking Crew, Rapido and feature film Ka Whawhai Tonu, in which he played Puku, the chief’s cheeky grandson. His television credits include Dead Ahead (2025), Bust Up (2026) and This Is Home, currently screening on Māori Television, where his character, Wiremu, is a highlight.

The work comes with sacrifices for a 12-year-old. Nātana said he missed school social dances and the Year 7 ball last year because of acting commitments. He will attend Te Wharekura o Mauao next year.

“When I was 9, being an actor was pretty hard,” he said. “And it felt pretty weird. It’s a bit easier these days and doesn’t really feel weird any more.”

Nātana says he will probably continue acting, although he finds serious roles more challenging than cheeky ones.

“I think the serious roles are harder than the cheeky ones, but I can do them too.”

His uncle describes him as quick-witted, responsive and able to pick things up quickly, take direction and get completely into the moment.

Tāne Rore brings together Māori men from different generations to share stories of identity, masculinity, whānau, love, grief, strength, vulnerability and everything in between.

In Tāne Rore, Nātana was the youngest character in a production blending humour, physical performance and deeply personal storytelling. The bilingual show featured haka, waiata, dance, poetry and monologue, with about 85% delivered in English.

Te Mete said the show celebrates Māori men in all their complexity, exploring connections between generations and the men who came before and will follow.

Te Mete also founded Tuatara Collective, which creates performance and wānanga opportunities for Māori, Pasifika and LGBTQIA2+ voices.

Nātana and his younger brother, Ahimanawa, will perform at Waiata Mai, the festival’s closing event and free community singalong on Sunday, November 1, at 3pm at Masonic Park in Tauranga CBD.

As for where acting might take him, Nātana is keeping his options open.

“I definitely will still have a passion for acting when I am older,” he said. “But I don’t know, I will just have to see where life takes me.”