My Stunt Journey and Why I Created NZSS - By Dayna Pomare Pai

Hey there, I’m Dayna.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about stunts, or wondering if you’ve got what it takes to move into screen action. Let me start by saying: I’ve been where you are. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a stuntwoman. I just loved gymnastics, horses, movement, and testing my limits — and that led me down a wild, beautiful, and sometimes brutal road.

Let me tell you a bit about it.

How It All Started

My first big break was on Xena: Warrior Princess. I doubled for Lucy Lawless; riding horses, doing sword fights, and throwing myself into walls (safely, of course!). I had no idea at the time how that one job would lead to a 30+ year career working as performer and coordinator on massive films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Wonder Woman 1984, Avatar, and Snow White and the Huntsman.

I’ve doubled Charlize Theron, Tilda Swinton, Shailene Woodley, some of the strongest, most powerful women on screen. But behind every big moment were hours of training, planning, and preparation.

Why I Built NZ Stunt School

I created the New Zealand Stunt School because people kept coming to me and asking, “Can you teach me?” At first, it was just a few eager performers. But over time, I found myself training almost every working stunt performer in New Zealand.

That was over 15 years ago. Since then, I’ve watched students I once taught become professionals in their own right—on big sets, in lead roles, even coordinating their own teams. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

NZSS is a space where you can train safely, grow at your own pace, get sweaty, laugh, make mistakes and discover just how much you’re capable of on screen. You don’t need to be an athlete or fearless. You just need to show up, be curious, and care about learning the right way.

Why Actors & Extras Should Train in Stunts

I’ve worked with so many talented actors who freeze up the moment a scene turns physical. Or extras who get passed over because they look unsure on set.

Learning how to move (even the basics) changes everything. Whether it’s reacting to a slap, taking a fall, or just knowing where the camera is, confidence in motion shows.

That’s exactly what we teach in Fight for Camera — our beginner-friendly course made for people just like you.

Neurodivergence Is My Strength

Something else I want to share — I’m neurodivergent. It’s not something I always talked about, but over time I’ve come to see it as one of my greatest assets. It gives me hyper-focus, unusual problem-solving, and a deep, physical intuition when it comes to choreography, safety and movement.

If you think or move a bit differently. We need different. We need YOU.

And Yes, I Still Ride

Horses are my first love. I’ve worked as a horse master helping actors ride, working with animals safely, and choreographing action. I am now offering trick riding, mounted archery and stunt riding lessons to all public.

There’s something about horse work that reminds you to be calm, grounded, and present. It’s a huge part of what I teach.

So What’s Next for You?

If you’re curious about stunts (even just a little) I hope, you’ll come train with us. We’re not here to judge or push you too fast. We’re here to guide you, challenge you, and give you real tools to move like a pro.

🔗 Free Online Courses
🔗 Fight or Camera (FFC)
🔗 After FFC

No matter where you’re starting from, there’s a place for you here.

See you in training.
Dayna