Disney's New Pacific Princess Unveiled

After hundreds of try-outs across the Pacific the voice of Moana, Disney's newest princess in the film of the same name, has been found.

Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli'i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in the animated movie about a spirited teenager who, with help from demi-god Maui (Johnson), sets out on a daring mission across the Pacific Ocean in search of a fabled island.

At first, Cravalho thought she didn't have a chance of landing the role but one of the film's casting directors remembered a previous audition and encouraged the young actress to give Moana a go.

"When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs," Cravalho said. "But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana - representing my culture in that way."

Moana director John Musker said Cravalho had a playful, mischievous wit and a fearlessness which she shared with her character.

"She can project vulnerability, she doesn't seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music."

New Zealand director Taika Waititi wrote the script for the movie, which is set in the South Pacific.

- NZME.