New Zealand Docos
New Zealand has a rich tradition of quality documentary-making. We may not be able to get Merita Mita's 'Patu' but we do have the searing social commentary of 'In A Land of Plenty' or 'Out of Sight'. Look into New Zealand's history with 'The New Zealand Wars' or 'The Toogood Years'. These are New Zealand stories made by New Zealanders and a great treasure for us here.
Pictured: The tragic story of the Wahine ferry disaster is told in 'Shipwreck! Deadly Harbour'
When a City Falls (2012)
8.7/10
Director: Gerald Smyth
The Canterbury earthquakes, shot in the streets of Christchurch. What happens to half a million New Zealanders the year their lives change forever. Read more
Tickled (2016)
7.6/10
Director: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve
Starring: David Farrier
After stumbling upon a bizarre "competitive endurance tickling" video online, wherein young men are paid to be tied up and tickled, reporter David Far... Read more
Colin McCahon: I Am (2004)
9.6/10
Director: Paul Swadel
Starring: Voice Of, Sam Neill
Tracing the life of pioneering artist Colin McCahon, examining the New Zealand cultural context that influenced and inspired his work and his artistic... Read more
How Far Is Heaven (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Christopher Pryor, Miriam Smith
The Sisters of Compassion have lived in the remote village of Jerusalem / Hiruharama on the Whanganui River in New Zealand for 120 years. Today, only... Read more
No Ordinary Sheila (2017)
8.7/10
Director: Hugh Macdonald
Documentary on writer and illustrator Sheila Natusch, retracing a long life dedicated to sharing her love of New Zealands nature and history. Read more
Antarctica: A Year On Ice (2013)
7.6/10
Director: Anthony Powell
Filmed over 10 years, Frozen Planet photographer Anthony Powell presents a visually stunning and deeply personal chronicle of what it is like to live... Read more
The Man in the Hat (2009)
Director: Luit Bieringa
Starring: Narrated by, Sam Neill
Peter McLeavey has run his gallery in Wellington for more than 40 years, becoming a legendary figure of the city and the New Zealand art community. Mc... Read more
Poi E (2016)
7/10
As irresistible as the song it celebrates, Tearepa Kahis documentary explores the many tributaries that flowed into the mash-up of pop music, traditi... Read more
Kaikohe Demolition (2004)
8.4/10
Director: Florian Habicht
Starring: Uncle Bimm, John Zielinski, Ben Haretuku
New Zealand small town Kaikohe made world news in 1991 when some of it's children attacked Santa in the local Christmas Parade. Florian Habicht's ("Wo... Read more
The Hollow Men (2008)
7.4/10
Director: Alister Barry
The most explosive book in New Zealand political history is now a film. Don Brash stepped down as leader of the National Party in November 2006, the d... Read more