Once Were Warriors (1994) – Filming Locations
Drama · Directed by Lee Tamahori · Starring Temuera Morrison, Rena Owen
In a violent relationship, it takes a mother’s strength to save herself and her children from the man she loved. Once Were Warriors is a violent love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop.
Where was Once Were Warriors filmed?
- Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland – Opening scenes establishing the Heke family home and neighborhood life. The economically disadvantaged West Auckland suburbs provided the authentic working-class setting for the film's family drama and domestic violence storyline
- Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland – Jake's scenes in the city, including street brawls and interactions in urban locations. Central Auckland locations capture the gritty urban environment where Jake engages in street violence and gang culture
- Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland – Jake's incarceration and prison sequences showing his past criminal history. The real Auckland prison provides authentic setting for Jake's backstory and his ongoing criminal involvement
- Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland – Family home interior and exterior scenes, daily life sequences. The modest residential neighborhoods of West Auckland authentically portray the socioeconomic circumstances of the Heke family's struggle