ANIMATION THROUGH A TE ĀO MĀORI LENS
KO WAI MĀTOU?
WHO ARE WE?
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"Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu."
Ama Digital is named after the ama (the outrigger) of a waka ama (outrigger canoe). The ama of any waka keeps it balanced, upright, and on the right path. This reflects our commitment to our clients and mahi (work) — we will support, guide, manaaki (sustain), awhi (nurture), tautoko (support), and, if needed, help steer your project back on track.
Ama Digital Studios is an extension of Ama Training — Digital Visual Arts and Design programmes. The programme was born out of the need for an industry-specific animation course that produces graduates equipped with the skills and readiness to transition into a professional animation studio.
Graduates of the programme integrate into our studio and become part of our team. Ama Digital's founding principles are based on Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), utilising kawa and tikanga to guide our approach to training and business.
We are a production studio deeply committed to sharing Māori and Pasifika stories and traditions with a global audience.
NGĀ TIKANGA O AMA DIGITAL
OUR VALUES
Tika
We are fair and just, and we know to do the right things.
Pono
We show integrity and honesty, we have trust and believe in what we do.
Aroha
We show love, compassion and respect for others and ourselves.
TŌ MĀTOU ROOPU
OUR TEAM
The AMA team is a collective of highly experienced industry veterans and exciting young animation talent.
Our old-school animators bring extensive experience across various areas of animation — including writing, producing, directing, and designing.
Our talented rangatahi come from diverse backgrounds; they are young, gifted, and creatively fearless. Many of our young Māori artists are well-versed in traditional toi (Māori arts) and knowledgeable in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view).
Our leadership team are well known in their respective fields and are committed to Ama Digital Studios producing tangible outcomes focused on Maori and Pasifika whānau.
Mike & Eileen Murray
Co-founders/CEO & CFO
AMA is led by husband and wife team, Mike and Eileen Murray, both of whom were highly respected educators prior to founding several successful ventures, including AMA Training. Together, they bring extensive experience in senior leadership, with a specialised focus on Indigenous leadership frameworks and epistemologies.
In addition, Mike offers deep knowledge and insight into tikanga Māori—the values and practices that underpin Māori culture—enriching the organisation’s cultural foundation and strategic direction.
Stan Fong
Co-founder/Studio Head/Creative Director
Stan is a seasoned animation professional with over 30 years of industry experience, having contributed to all facets of animation production. He began his career as an animator on numerous high-profile projects for studios such as Disney, Warner Brothers, and other internationally renowned companies.
His extensive career has taken him across Europe, Asia, and North America, where he has held key roles including Animation Supervisor, Director, and Producer. In 2006, Stan developed a production pipeline for a leading Chinese animation studio, later playing a pivotal role in the company’s IPO and its strategic partnership with The Walt Disney Company.
Dean Trembath
Head Tutor/Director
Before becoming a highly respected tutor in the animation arts, Dean worked in the industry on several well-known projects for Disney. Prior to joining AMA full-time, he served as the Head Foundation Tutor at New Zealand’s largest private tertiary institute for art and design.
Dean is also an accomplished artist in his own right, and was a finalist in the prestigious 2022 Adam Portraiture Award.
NGĀ RĀTONGA KAITAUTOKO
OUR PARTNERS
Ā MĀTOU MAHI
OUR WORK
ORIGINAL CONTENT
We strive to develop and produce original content showcasing Māori and Pasifika stories, culture and language.
NINE GIRLS
Feature Film
AMA Digital Studios has secured the adaptation rights to Nine Girls, the 2024 New Zealand Book of the Year, authored by internationally bestselling writer Stacy Gregg.
Currently in development as an animated feature film, Nine Girls is a powerful coming-of-age narrative set against the backdrop of a defining moment in Aotearoa New Zealand’s recent history. The story explores universal themes of whānau(family) and friendship, while addressing critical issues such as colonialism and the enduring effects of intergenerational trauma on race relations.
HE PĀTAI TĀKU
Animated Series
AMA Digital Studios is proud to partner with esteemed Māori author, journalist, and media personality Stacey Morrisonto develop designs and illustrations for her acclaimed book series that champions te reo Māori and Māori culture.
These popular published works serve as the foundation for He Pātai Tāku, a new animated series that explores life’s big questions through the lens of a curious and insightful tamariki (child).
Ā MĀTOU MAHI
OUR WORK
SHOWREEL
All Videos
All Videos
Ruakura long vers
AMA Design Reel
AMA Animation Reel
AMA Illustration Reel
MEDIA COVERAGE
MAY 2025
AMA Digital features at the opening of Te Puna Creative Hub
JUNE 2025
AMA Digital represents Aotearoa animation at the Annecy International Film Festival
JULY 2025
Member for Te Atatū, Phil Twyford promotes AMA Digital
JULY 2025
Nine Girls Author, Stacy Gregg discusses her new book, and mentions the Nine Girls feature
SERVICES
Contact
Have Design or Animation Needs? Contact us, we'd love to help.
Level 4 Waitakere Campus
7 Ratanui Street, Henderson
AUCKLAND 0612
