Overview

• A Facebook post stated that Wipani passed peacefully on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends, ending with a quote from the film Driving Miss Daisy.
• Her cause of death was not disclosed in the announcement.
• Co-stars including Jay Laga’aia and director Ian Mune paid tribute, praising Wipani’s presence and impact on set.
• Wipani launched her career in the early 1980s through pageants and hosting New Zealand’s live lottery draw, earning the nickname ‘Lotto Lady.’
• She appeared in Soldier, Soldier, Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys before moving into production work after her final acting role on Shortland Street in 2008.