AUCKLAND – Disney’s hunt to find its first Polynesian princess has left New Zealand to continue in other parts of the Pacific.

Walt Disney Animation Studios caused huge excitement late last year when it announced it was looking for a young woman – aged 14 to early 20s – to play the voice of its latest Disney princess, ‘Moana’.

The film of the same name is due out next November.

Unlike the last few Disney princesses – who were played by pop stars and A-list actresses – the studio’s New Zealand-based casting agency has been searching the Pacific for an undiscovered talent for ‘Moana’ – initially with an open casting call on YouTube.

The criteria:

• Pasifika or Maori girl aged between 14 and early 20s.

• Has a strong singing voice.

• Some acting skills are also preferred but not necessary.

A call put out by CNA Casting in New Zealand generated thousands of video auditions.

The search for the coveted spot has since moved on to other parts of the Pacific – including Hawai‘i and Samoa, where live auditions are being scheduled over the next two weeks.

The casting team was in Samoa this weekend.

Kiwi-Samoan playwright and actress Fiona Collins, a graduate of the Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, is among those who are helping in the search, with help from Naea Asolelei To‘alepai.

“Please remember it is a Disney animation film – the auditions are not about how you look as such, but how well you can sing in the style requested, and your acting skills. A strong command of English is recommended,” Naea advised.

“Learn your songs in the style of either Disney, musical theatre tunes or show songs,” said Naea.

“Choose a song you know well and can sing confidently.”

The age range has now been extended to females aged between 14-24 years old and both Fiona and Naea are stressing that while they are looking for someone with a strong singing voice and some acting skills, a lot of experience is not necessary.

Hawai‘i-born teens Ciana Pelekai and Makamae Auwae both received official callbacks after submitting their YouTube auditions and have become instant Internet celebrities. Both girls are definitely eager to represent their culture and, as evidenced by audition videos, wildly talented:

“I relate to Moana because she’s Polynesian and I’m Hawaiian and I know I could be an inspiration to others,” Pelekai, 14, told The Huffington Post. “Down here in Hawaii, there’s not a lot of opportunity to be recognized nationally like there is in Los Angeles. I just hope they choose a Hawaiian girl.”

Makamae Kailani Auwae has also proven to be a hit with Disney producers and they have asked her in for a live appearance at the final auditions in Los Angeles.

Auwae, 19, from Maui, sings in the band Christafari.

In her audition video, a laid-back Auwae greets producers with a cheerful “Aloha!”

She goes on to say she grew up loving Disney animation.

“I think I would fit the role of Disney’s Princess Moana because it is my culture, I speak fluent Hawaiian and I’m a professional singer.”

She sings ‘Walk Through Paradise With You’, by Hawaiian-American singer Melveen Leed, using her native tongue for half the clip.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been chosen as the voice for Maui, the Polynesian demi-god who ‘Moana’ encounters on her South Seas cartoon adventures.

The name of the lead character is ‘Moana Waialiki’. She is a sea-voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a chief. Series of events pushes her family to seek her help, which consequently compels her to go on an epic journey.