 During the 1990s and early 2000s (decade), he also was working as an actor, appearing in Jane Campion's film "The Piano" and "Rapa-Nui", produced by Kevin Costner.He was the dean of theology at the Maori Anglican Theological College in Rotorua and taught in several Auckland and Rotorua schools.Potaka-Dewes died on 7 August 2009 in Rotorua, aged 70.