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'
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
Poisoning Paradise (2008)
8/10
In a time when environmental issues are considered paramount, when our clean, green, 100% brand is being promoted internationally, this DVD takes you... Read more
Putting Our Town On the Map (2000)
Director: Shirley Horrocks
Starring: Miranda Harcourt
Giant fish, fruit and vegetables, novel signs, murals depicting local history, unusual festivals – such creative expressions of local identity are p... Read more
Radar's Patch (2010)
Starring: Te Radar
Looking for paradise? So is Te Radar. 'Radar's Patch' is his attempt to live the 1/4 acre dream. He has one growing season, an overgrown jumble of sub... Read more
Rain of the Children (2008)
6.9/10
Director: Vincent Ward
Starring: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Taungaroa Emile, Vincent Ward, Miriama Rangi
While still a film student in the late 1970s, Vincent Ward made a documentary called 'In Spring One Plants Alone' about an elderly Tuhoe woman called... Read more
Reluctant Hero (2008)
7/10
Director: Steven O'Meagher
A profile of Willie Apiata that re-enacts the feat for which he received his Victoria Cross, looking at how this reserved Kiwi soldier has coped with... Read more
Rivers - with Craig Potton (2010)
Starring: Craig Potton
Internationally renowned photographer, conservationist and publisher Craig Potton has spent 40 years photographing New Zealand's wild landscapes. In t... Read more
Rubbings from a Live Man (2008)
7.7/10
Director: Florian Habicht
Starring: Warwick Broadhead
Filmmaker Florian Habicht ('Kaikohe Demolition', 'Woodenhead') takes veteran performer Warwick Broadhead as his subject matter in this captivating bio... Read more
Sam Hunt: Purple Balloon and Other Stories (2010)
7.4/10
Director: Tim Rose
Starring: Sam Hunt
For forty years Sam Hunt has been a force in New Zealand poetry and culture. He is a storyteller who has spent his life struggling with his, often ver... Read more
Sedition (2005)
Director: Russell Campbell
This fascinating documentary tells the sobering account of New Zealand's WW II conscientious objectors who fought against legislation and stuck to the... Read more