Toa Fraser on Living with Parkinson’s Disease & Directing Netflix Hit ‘Sweet Tooth’

Toa Fraser is a legendary New Zealand filmmaker, playwright, and storyteller. This is his first ever podcast.

Outside of his incredible career, he’s also been on a deeply personal journey with early-onset Parkinson’s disease which he was diagnosed with in 2016.

This is a very small part of the Toa Fraser story.

His early years in the UK and his Fijian links.

How he blew up as a young playwright in New Zealand

The origins of his incredible movie Number 2. How the Hollie Smith theme song “Bathe in the river” came about. And why he would never make that movie today.

His best stories from international film festivals.

Making the top rating Netflix show Sweet Tooth during the pandemic.

Then there is the Parkinson’s stuff: his diagnosis and the decision to go public with it, what it means in day-to-day life for him and his family, how he manages it, what we should all know about the disease and much, much more.

---------------------------------

What do you see yourself doing in retirement?

Moving to the beach? Exploring the world in cruise ships? Travelling Europe by rail? Spending more time with friends and family?

Whatever your dream, there’s one big question —how much will it cost?

That’s why choosing a KiwiSaver provider with strong long-term performance matters.

Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns- see their latest returns for yourself on their website.

Because the choices you make today will shape the retirement you’ll have tomorrow.

Start planning now—Book a chat with an adviser at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom

The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure, go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

00:00 Who is Toa Fraser? 11:59 Family Background and Cultural Identity 15:04 Career Beginnings: From Theatre to Film 18:13 The Making of 'Number Two': A Creative Process 20:54 Collaboration and Success in Theatre 23:56 Reflections on Fame and Personal Growth 33:02 Sundance Experience and Industry Insights 41:44 Celebrity Encounters and Awkward Moments 44:48 Behind the Scenes of Sweet Tooth 51:57 Navigating Parkinson's Diagnosis and Its Impact 01:18:03 Advice for the Future and Final Thoughts