Action star Dwayne Johnson says there's "so much" he takes from his time living in New Zealand that he carries with him today.
The A-lister, better known as The Rock, sat down with 1News to discuss his latest project – reprising his role as demi-god Maui in the live-action adaptation of Disney's Moana.
'So respectful': Dwayne Johnson reveals lessons from childhood in NZ - Watch on TVNZ+
The 54-year-old professional wrestler said he lived with his mother's family in Auckland's Grey Lynn for "a little over a year" as a child before returning to the US.
"My dad was always on the road, so it was just me and my mum. And when we moved to New Zealand, we moved in with our family," he said.
"And as we know in Polynesian culture, it's generational. Grandma and grandpas were living there, aunties – I mean, it was a big home with a lot of people."
Johnson said his life had looked very different until that point.
"We were living in some trailer park ... And it was like TV dinners, you know, and whatever's on TV. But in our family there in New Zealand, it was everything is ceremonial and the meals would be presented."
Johnson also revealed he learned a value system in New Zealand that he still carries with him today.
"You’re just so respectful and that's the kind of stuff, by the way, that has stuck with me, and it’s respect. It’s respect of elders. You walk in front of someone, you say, 'excuse me'. If not, whack!” he said, laughing.
"You learn quickly so there was really so much that I take with me that I still have with me today."
The Smashing Machine actor said he hoped Kiwi audiences "and all of our Polynesian cultures" would connect with the film.
"I hope they watch this and they go, 'Man, that makes me proud'.”
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