The Rise Of Awhimai Fraser: 5 Must-See Movies And TV Shows Of The New Voice Of Disney's Matangi

Awhimai Fraser has rapidly established herself as a formidable talent in the entertainment industry, transitioning from a celebrated singer and theatre performer in Aotearoa New Zealand to a globally recognized voice artist. As of December 2025, her career trajectory has reached a new peak with a major role in one of the biggest animated films of the year, cementing her status as a crucial voice in contemporary Māori and Oceanic storytelling. Her work is a powerful blend of traditional roots and modern media, showcasing her versatility as an actress, singer, and multidisciplinary creative.

This article dives deep into the filmography of Awhimai Fraser, exploring her most recent, high-profile projects, her vital contributions to Māori language media, and the key roles that have defined her career so far. From the Disney blockbuster *Moana 2* to her work on local New Zealand television, Fraser’s credits reveal an artist dedicated to her craft and her culture.

Awhimai Fraser: Complete Biography and Profile

Awhimai Fraser is a New Zealand actress, singer-songwriter, voice artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose work spans film, television, and theatre. She is a proud woman of Māori descent, with deep ancestral ties (whakapapa) to several significant iwi (tribes).

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• Full Name: Awhimai Fraser
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Ethnicity/Iwi: Māori (whakapapa to Waikato, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāi Tāmanuhuri, and Ngāti Kahungunu)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer-Songwriter, Voice Artist, Creative Producer, Casting Assistant
• Current Residence: Auckland, New Zealand
• Height: 175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
• Spouse: James Tito (Actor)
• Notable Voice Roles: Matangi (*Moana 2*), Elsa (*Frozen Te Reo*), Dolores (*Encanto Te Reo*)
• Languages: English, Te Reo Māori
• Career Start: Primarily in New Zealand theatre and musical productions, before moving into screen and voice work.

The Breakout Role: Matangi in Disney’s Moana 2 (2024)

Awhimai Fraser’s most significant and high-profile credit to date is her role as the voice of Matangi in the 2024 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature, *Moana 2*. This role has propelled her onto the international stage, placing her alongside returning stars like Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana) and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Maui).

Matangi is one of the new, pivotal characters in the sequel. She serves as the enforcer for Nalo, the film’s antagonist, and possesses the unique ability to control bats. Fraser’s performance brought a distinct, captivating energy to the character, described by critics as having a "fluid, yet jumpy movement" that added to her on-screen presence.

A Vocal Powerhouse: Singing "Get Lost"

Beyond her speaking role, Fraser showcased her powerful vocal talent by performing a full song in the movie, titled "Get Lost." Her performance was widely praised, with many noting her incredible vocal range and the emotional depth she brought to the track. The song quickly became a fan favorite, further highlighting Fraser's dual-threat capability as both an actor and a singer-songwriter. Her background in theatre, particularly in musicals like *Grease* and *Red Riding Hood*, prepared her for this major musical moment on the global stage.

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In interviews discussing the film, Fraser spoke about the pride of bringing a new Oceanic character to life and working alongside legends like Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and David Fane (Kele). Her involvement in *Moana 2* is a testament to the growing demand for authentic Pacific voices in major studio productions.

A Champion of Te Reo Māori: The Disney Dubbing Legacy

One of the most important and authoritative aspects of Awhimai Fraser’s career is her contribution to the preservation and promotion of the Te Reo Māori language through film. She is a core member of the small, elite group of voice artists who have dubbed major Disney films entirely into Te Reo Māori, ensuring these global stories are accessible and relevant to Māori audiences.

Key Te Reo Voice Roles:

• Elsa in *Frozen Te Reo* (2022): Fraser took on the iconic role of Queen Elsa, performing the character’s dialogue and songs in Te Reo Māori. This dub was a landmark achievement for the language and culture, allowing a new generation to experience a beloved film in their native tongue.
• Dolores in *Encanto Te Reo*: She also provided the voice for the character Dolores, known for her super-hearing, in the Te Reo Māori version of the hit film *Encanto*. This role further solidified her position as a leading voice in the indigenous language dubbing space.

Her work in these projects, alongside her role in the *Moana 2* Te Reo Māori dub, showcases a deep commitment to her heritage. This body of work is invaluable, establishing her not just as an actress but as a cultural advocate in the entertainment world. The ability to switch between English-language and Te Reo-language performance, often for the same character (such as Matangi), demonstrates an exceptional level of linguistic and acting skill.

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Beyond the Big Screen: Television and Local Projects

While her film work garners international attention, Awhimai Fraser has maintained a consistent and vital presence in New Zealand’s local television and creative scene. These credits are essential to understanding the full scope of her career and topical authority.

1. Toi Time! (2022–2025)

Fraser is a core cast member in the popular children's television series *Toi Time!*. Playing the character Maia, she has been a fixture on the show across its numerous seasons (I-IV). The series, which often incorporates music and cultural elements, allows Fraser to leverage her skills as a singer, actor, and cultural practitioner for a young audience. The show’s ongoing success highlights her consistent employment in New Zealand media.

2. Shortland Street

An essential credit for any New Zealand actor, Fraser has also appeared on the long-running soap opera *Shortland Street*. While the role may have been brief, securing a credit on this show is a rite of passage and a clear indicator of her presence in the country's mainstream television landscape.

3. Behind-the-Scenes and Creative Roles

Fraser's title as a "multidisciplinary creative" is supported by her work behind the camera. In 2024, she worked as a Casting Assistant for the film *We Were Dangerous* and as an Assistant Makeup Artist for the TV special *Taumanu*. This experience in various facets of production gives her a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process, enriching her performance work.

4. Early Career and Theatre

Before her screen success, Fraser was a prolific theatre actress. Notable early credits include playing Sandy in a production of the musical *Grease* and the title role in *Red Riding Hood* at the Circa Theatre in Wellington. She also appeared in the short film *Vermillion*. This foundational experience in live performance is the bedrock of her expressive acting style.

Awhimai Fraser’s career is a compelling narrative of a modern artist who honors her roots while embracing global opportunities. Her powerful voice, both literally and figuratively, continues to make a significant impact across animation, television, and indigenous language media, promising a long and influential career for this rising star from Aotearoa.