What Is Tinā About?
The premise of Tinā in 326 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the wake of a devastating earthquake that stole her young daughter, Mareta Percival returns to the rhythm of daily life clutching the fragments of her faith and the quiet resolve of a Samoan‑New Zealand mother. Haunted by loss yet buoyed by a deep‑rooted Catholic belief, she steps into a temporary role that promises a breath of ordinary routine, while the city around her still murmurs with the echo of that tragedy.
The setting shifts to St Francis, a prestigious private school whose polished corridors mask a generation of pupils drifting without clear purpose. Here, the expectations of privilege clash with a palpable sense of emptiness, and the students—though seemingly secure—are quietly searching for meaning beyond academic achievement. Sio, Mareta’s nephew and a social worker, nudges her toward this environment, believing her compassion might fill the gaps the school’s structure leaves open.
From her first day, Mareta senses a collective yearning for guidance, and she begins to weave herself into the lives of the young scholars. With a gentle demeanor and an instinct for listening, she offers more than lesson plans; she shares stories, cultural songs, and an invitation to connect with one another through shared expression. The tentative formation of a choir becomes a subtle thread binding disparate personalities—each student discovering a voice they never knew they possessed. Peter Wadsworth, the deputy principal, represents the institution’s rigid expectations, setting up a quiet tension between tradition and the emerging, more inclusive spirit Mareta nurtures. Meanwhile, Sophie, a talented yet troubled pupil, becomes a focal point for the choir’s evolving dynamics.
The film unfolds in a tone that balances quiet melancholy with hopeful resilience, painting a portrait of grief‑turned‑guidance amid an elite academic world. As Mareta’s presence ripples through the corridors, the audience is invited to wonder how far a single, compassionate teacher can lead a group of adrift youths toward healing, belonging, and a shared sense of purpose—without ever revealing the full arc of their journey.
What Happens in Tinā?
The complete story of Tinā, from the first scene to the last, in 583 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Mareta Percival [Anapela Polataivao] is a Samoan New Zealander who works as a teacher in a primary school in the low‑income Christchurch suburb of Aranui. On the day of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Mareta’s daughter auditions at the CTV Building and is killed during the quake. A grief‑stricken Mareta loses her sense of purpose in life while clinging to her Roman Catholic faith.
In 2014, to maintain her unemployment benefits, her nephew and social worker Sio, [Beulah Koale], convinces Mareta to apply for a job as a substitute teacher at St Francis School, a largely Pākehā and rigidly conservative private school. Despite reservations from the school board, the retiring headmaster Alan Hubbard, [Dalip Sondhi], convinces them to hire Mareta as a substitute. After walking in on a student, Sophie [Antonia Robinson] being confronted by deputy principal Peter Wadsworth [Jamie Irvine] to specialize in an instrument, Mareta covers for her by pretending they had discussed vocal scholarships. Since St Francis lacks a choir, Mareta convinces Alan to allow her to start one with herself as its choirmaster, much to the disdain of Peter, who tries to undermine Mareta and the choir. Mareta also enlists the help of St Francis alumni and accomplished chorister Helen, [Tania Nolan].
The choir attracts several students other than Sophie, such as Anthony Bull [Zac O’Meagher], Mei‑Ling [Talia Pua], and Luke. Despite their privileged upbringing, these students—particularly Sophie—struggle with personal traumas and insecurities. As a choir, the students learn to work as a team. Seeing potential in Sophie, Mareta trains her as lead chorister. With the encouragement of her Catholic priest Father McAfee, [Matthew Chamberlain], the St Francis choir conducts their first performance at Mareta’s Samoan church. After the performance, Mareta’s former teaching colleague, Rona, [Nicole Whippy], confronts Mareta as she views St Francis kids as privileged and elite. This leads Mareta to pass out and be hospitalised, revealing her cancer diagnosis which she had hidden.
Mareta introduces her students to the upcoming national Big Sing competition hoping to get them to compete in it, which her students agree to. However, due to a troubled home life, Sophie leaves the choir after refusing to don a lavalava due to a disfiguring arm injury, forcing Mei‑Ling to take a leadership role. Tensions flare up after Anthony and Mei‑Ling are embroiled in a fight with St Francis’ elite rugby team, which Anthony is a part of, leading to Anthony also leaving the choir.
Despite these obstacles and her own terminal cancer condition, Mareta is determined to lead the choir to perform at the Big Sing competition. However, Peter uses the fight between the choir and rugby team as reason and convinces the school board to pressure Mareta into ending the choir programme. Due to the students’ support, defying Peter, the St Francis choir participates in the semi‑final and qualifies for the final of the Big Sing. However, as a result, Mareta’s teaching contract is terminated.
Mareta is hospitalised due to her worsening cancer. However, the choristers are still determined to participate in the final round of the Big Sing. Sophie and Anthony return to the St Francis choir. In order to compensate for Mareta’s absence, Sophie enlists the help of her mother and board member Caroline, [Alison Bruce], and Rona’s support. On the night of the competition, Mareta succumbs to her cancerous condition, but, after doubts and anxiety leading her to almost leaving, Sophie leads the St Francis choir, wearing a lavalava, to perform a traditional Samoan song for the final round.
Tinā Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Earthquake tragedy: Mareta's daughter dies during the 2011 Christchurch quake” to “Night of the Big Sing final: Sophie leads as Mareta dies”. 14 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Earthquake tragedy: Mareta's daughter dies during the 2011 Christchurch quake
On the day of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Mareta's daughter auditions at the CTV Building and is killed. The disaster shatters Mareta, who immediately loses her sense of purpose and begins to question her faith. The tragedy marks the emotional starting point of Mareta's long grief.
When:2011 Where:Christchurch, CTV Building
- 2
Mareta's grief and struggle with faith
Grief consumes Mareta as she struggles to find meaning after her daughter's death. Her Roman Catholic faith becomes a source of doubt and distance rather than comfort. The emotional toll sets the tone for her later decision to return to teaching.
When:2011-2012 Where:Christchurch
- 3
Sio persuades Mareta to apply for a job to maintain benefits
Sio, Mareta's nephew and social worker, convinces her to apply for a job so she can keep unemployment benefits. He suggests applying as a substitute teacher at a local school. This nudge pulls Mareta back into the teaching world and creates a path toward St Francis.
When:2014 Where:Christchurch
- 4
Hired as substitute teacher at St Francis School
Against initial reservations, retiring headmaster Alan Hubbard hires Mareta as a substitute teacher at St Francis School. She enters a largely conservative, privileged environment that challenges her every step. The job becomes the catalyst for the events that follow.
When:2014 Where:St Francis School, Christchurch
- 5
Mareta covers for Sophie after a confrontation
Mareta walks in on Sophie being confronted by deputy principal Peter Wadsworth about specializing in an instrument. Mareta covers for Sophie by claiming they had discussed vocal scholarships. This misstep sows tension and complicates trust within the staff.
When:2014 Where:St Francis School
- 6
Mareta starts a choir with herself as choirmaster
With no choir to lead, Mareta persuades Alan Hubbard to let her start one and agrees to be its choirmaster. Peter Wadsworth openly undermines the choir at every turn. Still, Mareta's initiative plants the seed for a new musical program at the school.
When:2014 Where:St Francis School
- 7
Enlisting alumni and other students to join the choir
Mareta enlists St Francis alumni and the experienced chorister Helen to help train the group. The choir begins to attract multiple students beyond Sophie, including Anthony, Mei-Ling and Luke, despite their privileged backgrounds. A sense of teamwork starts to form as the choir grows.
When:2014 Where:St Francis School
- 8
First performance at Mareta's Samoan church
The choir's first performance takes place at Mareta's Samoan church with the support of Father McAfee. The event helps validate the choir and links their mission to Mareta's cultural roots. The success also triggers a cautionary confrontation from Rona about Mareta's priorities.
When:2014 Where:Mareta's Samoan church
- 9
Rona confronts Mareta; Mareta hospitalised and cancer diagnosed
Rona accuses Mareta of viewing the St Francis kids as privileged, and Mareta collapses after the encounter. She is hospitalised where her cancer diagnosis is revealed. The development intensifies the stakes for the choir's mission and Mareta's personal struggle.
When:2014-2015 Where:St Francis School / Hospital
- 10
Mareta introduces the Big Sing competition plan
Despite her illness, Mareta pushes to enter the national Big Sing competition, hoping the choir will prove themselves. The students agree to pursue the challenge, despite personal and health challenges. The plan reframes the choir's purpose as a beacon of hope amid Mareta's illness.
When:2014-2015 Where:St Francis School
Show the other 4 events of Tinā Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Sophie leaves the choir; Mei-Ling leads; Anthony's conflict; more departures
A troubled home life leads Sophie to leave the choir, refusing to wear a lavalava because of an arm injury, forcing Mei-Ling to take leadership. Anthony becomes embroiled in a fight with the school's rugby team, which leads to his departure as well. The group experiences significant internal strain but continues to rehearse.
When:2014-2015 Where:St Francis School
- 12
School board pressures to end the choir; students rally behind it
Peter uses the rugby incident as a pretext to pressure the school board to end the choir program. However, the students' support keeps the choir alive, and they advance to the semi-finals of the Big Sing. The controversy tests the school's willingness to stand with Mareta's vision.
When:2014-2015 Where:St Francis School / Big Sing
- 13
Choristers advance to the Big Sing finals but Mareta's condition worsens
The choir defies the board and advances to the Big Sing finals while Mareta's health worsens and she is hospitalised. The students continue rehearsing in her absence, determined to honour her vision. The tension builds toward the finale.
When:2014-2015 Where:Big Sing, Christchurch
- 14
Night of the Big Sing final: Sophie leads as Mareta dies
On the night of the final, Mareta dies after a period of illness, but Sophie steps forward to lead the choir wearing a lavalava. She conducts a traditional Samoan song, delivering a moving finale that honors Mareta's legacy. The performance embodies resilience, community, and faith in the face of loss.
When:2014-2015 Where:Big Sing Final, Christchurch
Who Are the Main Characters in Tinā?
15 characters, among them Mareta Percival (Anapela Polataivao), Sio (Beulah Koale) and Helen (Tania Nolan): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- MP
Mareta Percival (Anapela Polataivao)
Played by Anapela Polataivao
A Samoan New Zealander and teacher who loses her daughter in the 2011 earthquake. She fights cancer while reinventing her career as a substitute teacher and eventually becomes the choirmaster of St Francis. Mareta’s resilience and faith guide her students through personal traumas toward collective achievement.
- 💔 Grief
- 🙏 Faith
- 👩🏫 Teacher
- 🩺 Illness
-
Sio (Beulah Koale)
Played by Beulah Koale
Mareta's nephew and a social worker who pushes for Mareta to apply for the substitute teaching role. He acts as a practical advocate, helping navigate unemployment benefits and the difficult path back into education. Sio embodies support, responsibility, and familial loyalty.
- 🤝 Social worker
- 👨👩👧 Family
- 🧭 Guide
- H(
Helen (Tania Nolan)
Played by Tania Nolan
A former St Francis alumna and accomplished chorister who collaborates with Mareta to revive the school's choir. Her experience and leadership provide a bridge between past traditions and Mareta's fresh approach. Helen helps mentor the students and keeps the musical community alive.
- 🎶 Music
- 👩🏫 Mentorship
- 🌟 Alumni
- AH
Alan Hubbard (Dalip Sondhi)
Played by Dalip Sondhi
The retiring headmaster who approves Mareta's appointment despite initial board hesitation. He represents tradition and authority within the school, yet his support becomes crucial for the choir's formation. His facilitation reflects a balance between stewardship and openness to change.
- 🏫 Headmaster
- 🗝️ Authority
- 💼 Tradition
- S(
Sophie (Antonia Robinson)
Played by Antonia Robinson
A pupil who becomes lead chorister as potential and charisma emerge within the choir. She bears personal trauma and initially resists the lavalava dress code due to an arm injury, highlighting issues of body image and identity. Sophie’s arc reflects resilience and leadership under pressure.
- 🎤 Student
- 🥊 Struggle
- 💪 Leadership
- PW
Peter Wadsworth (Jamie Irvine)
Played by Jamie Irvine
The deputy principal who undercuts Mareta and uses the choir project as a lever against her. He embodies institutional pushback against change and the tension between policy and mentorship. His actions propel conflict that Mareta must navigate.
- 🧑🏫 Authority
- 🛡️ Opposition
- 🗂️ Policy
- FM
Father McAfee (Matthew Chamberlain)
Played by Matthew Chamberlain
A Catholic priest who supports Mareta and the choir, framing the project within a faith-based community. He offers spiritual and communal backing that helps sustain the students through difficulties.
- 🙏 Faith
- 🕊️ Community
- 🎗️ Support
- R(
Rona (Nicole Whippy)
Played by Nicole Whippy
A former teaching colleague who confronts Mareta, viewing the St Francis students as privileged. Her perspective introduces tension but also an external critique that Mareta must address. She represents professional accountability and differing attitudes toward privilege.
- 🗣️ Colleague
- 🫂 Tension
- 🌍 Perspective
- C(
Caroline (Alison Bruce)
Played by Alison Bruce
A board member whose support fluctuates throughout Mareta's campaign to keep the choir alive. She becomes part of the conflict between school governance and creative education. Caroline embodies the complexities of institutional decision-making.
- 👩💼 Board member
- 🗝️ Conflict
- 🕊️ Support
- AB
Anthony Bull (Zac O'Meagher)
Played by Zac O'Meagher
A member of the elite rugby team and a student in the choir who wrestles with privilege and loyalty. His involvement tests the boundaries between sport culture and musical collaboration. Anthony's arc explores identity under social pressure.
- 🏉 Athlete
- ⚔️ Rivalry
- 🧭 Privilege
- M(
Mei-ling (Talia Pua)
Played by Talia Pua
A student who steps up when Sophie leaves, assuming leadership within the choir. Mei-Ling's contributions highlight teamwork, adaptability, and the collaborative spirit of the group. Her role underlines how younger students carry growth forward.
- 🎶 Music
- 🧭 Growth
- 🧩 Teamwork
- L(
Luke (Caleb Nazzer)
Played by Caleb Nazzer
A pupil whose involvement in the choir mirrors the broader focus on student resilience and peer support. Luke's presence adds to the sense of a tight-knit, evolving ensemble. His participation emphasizes community over individual glory.
- 🎒 Student
- 👫 Friendship
- 🥈 Ambition
- CS
Choralation Singer/St Francis Student (Amelia Stace)
Played by Amelia Stace
A member of the choir and an active St Francis student, contributing to the ensemble's dynamics. Amelia's participation demonstrates the blend of school life and musical ambition within the story.
- 🎤 Singer
- 🧑🎓 Student
- 👥 Ensemble
- SF
St. Francis Student (Korilee Duncan)
Played by Korilee Duncan
A pupil at St Francis who participates in choir, representing the choir's broader student body. The character illustrates the inclusivity of the group beyond lead roles.
- 🎓 Student
- SF
St. Francis Student (Quillan Denton)
Played by Quillan Denton
Another pupil at St Francis who joins the choir, contributing to the ensemble's diversity. The character helps show the collective effort behind the performance.
- 🎓 Student
Where and When Is Tinā Set?
Tinā is set in Aranui, Christchurch and New Zealand (2011-2014). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2011-2014
The film begins with the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and follows Mareta through the ensuing years. It tracks the period of recovery, unemployment benefits, and the gradual cultivation of a school choir that culminates in a national competition. The timeline highlights how personal tragedy and illness shape choices, community support, and the pursuit of hope during the early to mid-2010s.
Where
Aranui, Christchurch, New Zealand
The story unfolds in Aranui, a low-income suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, centering on a private school within this community. The Christchurch setting is pivotal, rooted in shared trauma from the 2011 earthquake and the rebuilding spirit that follows. The mix of urban housing, schools, churches, and local networks creates a backdrop where education, faith, and resilience intersect.
- 🌆 Urban
- 🏫 Education
- 🧭 Community
What Are the Themes of Tinā?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Grief & Faith, Community & Support and Music & Transformation.
-
01
Grief & Faith
Mareta's daughter's death during the earthquake triggers a profound crisis of meaning and faith. The narrative weaves her grief with a stubborn, sustaining Catholic faith as a source of strength. Faith, healing, and the search for purpose become entwined as Mareta guides her students through personal and communal storms.
-
02
Community & Support
The story centers on how a close-knit community mobilizes around a vulnerable teacher and her students. Neighbors, colleagues, and church figures offer practical and emotional backing, highlighting how collective effort can transform adversity into opportunity. Tensions with authority figures are counterbalanced by grassroots solidarity.
-
03
Music & Transformation
The choir becomes a vehicle for personal growth, self-expression, and healing. Through discipline, collaboration, and overcoming traumas, the students discover confidence and leadership. Music acts as a bridge across social divides, enabling quiet resilience to flourish into performance and pride.
-
04
Education & Empowerment
Mareta's insistence on forming a choir at a conservative private school challenges established norms. The process highlights the power of education to empower marginalized youth and to question entrenched attitudes within the school structure. The eventual triumph emphasizes education as a force for dignity and social mobility.
What Kind of Film Is Tinā?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A deeply moving and bittersweet drama about a grieving teacher finding renewed purpose by mentoring troubled students, balancing heavy themes of loss and illness with moments of profound hope and artistic triumph.
- grieving
- hopeful
- inspiring
- melancholic
- uplifting
- cathartic
- grief and loss
- teacher-student bond
- healing through art
- coping with trauma
Content notes: child death, terminal illness, earthquake disaster.
Quiz
How well do you remember Tinā? Test yourself on the story.
