[Water Lily]

Part 4

9 January 2001

At the LOTR press conference held on the 12th November 2000, you wore a vest with the Maori words 'Kia Toa' written across the front. What is the meaning/significance of these words or the vest itself?

I got the vest in Hunters & Collectors in Wellington my fav clothes shop here. It cost about 20 bucks and I love it, great colour, great fit. I think Kia Toa means warrior or strength, so I hope it reflects both my physical and mental well being at the mo.

In Hetty Wainthropp Series 4 in the episode 'Something to Treasure' you appeared naked in a shower scene (which has been a hot topic at the forum). As an actor how do you prepare mentally for scenes of this nature and do you find it difficult/stressful?

I tend not to think about it until it comes to the day. It would appear to be a hard thing to do but you are surrounded by great crews who appreciate it's stressful. I just got in the shower, bang water comes on....finish the scene and a towel would appear....no probs.

After working for over 18 months on LOTR how do you feel now that filming is coming to an end?

How does it feel to come to the end of such an epic job etc.We went out with all our make up artists the other night and brought along photos etc. It was so amazing to see how far we have all come. How much we have all grown and how much we all care for one another. I know I haven't fully realised how affected I will be when this job finishes and to be fair I am trying very hard to concentrate on the job in hand not how to deal with not seeing so many special people for a while.

Having worked with thespians like Ian McKellen and Ian Holm. What was/is it like working with them and in terms of acting style is there anything that you have learnt from them that you could take on board and emulate (ie strive to equal in quality/actions)?

It has been a very important job in that respect. We have all (been) soooooo long together that we intimately know all our strengths and weaknesses in terms of work. So I will go to certain actors for advice and other actors for different guidance. I try to watch the senior actors as much as possible Ian McKellen, Ian Holm, Sean Bean etc. But to give everyone their credit, there is not a bad actor in the fellowship. Everyone is unfeasibly talented in my opinion.

Lastly, have you done anything crazy in NZ ie bungy jumping?

Aside from horseriding, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, swordfighting, snowboarding, Shotover jet, fly by wire, djaying in bars, karaoke, eating crazy food, and doing the biggest bunjy in New Zealand (the Nevis in Queenstown, 400ft).......NO!!!