Marise Wipani

Marise Gael Wipani (6 June 1964 – 6 June 2025) was a New Zealand actress and presenter. She was known for her appearances on television shows such as Shortland Street, Xena: Warrior Princess, Street Legal, Rude Awakenings, and Soldier Soldier. Early in her career, she also co-hosted the first live televised Lotto New Zealand draw alongside Doug Harvey, and was affectionately referred to as the "Lotto Lady". A close friend reported Wipani had breast cancer at the time of her death.

Background Wipani lived in Ponsonby in her teens, and moved to Christchurch as a young adult.

In the 2010s, Wipani worked in small production roles, but also worked in a cafe and an office for a time, and was living modestly. A cause of death was not released, however a close friend reported Wipani had breast cancer. Lotto New Zealand also paid tribute on their subsequent televised broadcast.

Career

1983–1985: Early career and Came a Hot Friday While in a photography studio in Ponsonby, Wipani was spotted by the Miss New Zealand pageant producer, who encouraged her to participate.

1986–1993: Lotto and continued acting In 1986, Wipani appeared in the film Mark II and became the host of the televised draw for Lotto New Zealand. She appeared on the first ever live broadcast in 1987 alongside Doug Harvey. although briefly held a presenter role on the children's TV show YaHoo in 1992.

In 1988, Wipani played the role of Suzie in the Australian crime film Grievous Bodily Harm. In 1991, she appeared in Rafferty's Rules, and in 1993, she was in two episodes of Soldier Soldier.

1994–2000: Hercules, Shortland Street and Street Legal In the mid-90s, Wipani took up a role on Shortland Street as Morgana. She appeared in the film Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur and the series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, as well as an episode of One West Waikiki and Letter to Blancy. Wipani also played a minor role in Bonjour Timothy (1995), and in Channelling Baby (1999) and Jubilee (2000). In 2000, she played Anna Kerepu in several episodes of Street Legal.

2001–2008: Xena: Warrior Princess and Rude Awakenings In 2001, Wipani played Kanae in Xena: Warrior Princess. In 2007, she played Sharon Short in series 1 of Rude Awakenings. In 2008, she returned to Shortland Street as a new character, Rebecca Scott.

Filmography

Film

Television