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'
Ans Westra: Private Journeys / Public Signposts (2006)
Director: Luit Bieringa
Starring: Ans Westra
This insightful documentary features the work of acclaimed photographer Ans Westra, whose photographs of New Zealanders constitute a uniquely expressi... Read more
Chasing Great (2016)
7.1/10
Director: Justin Pemberton, Michelle Walshe
Starring: Richie McCaw
Chasing Great follows Richie McCaw through his final season as he attempts the goal of captaining the All Blacks to the first ever-back-to back Rugby... Read more
The Fred Dagg All-Purpose DVD (2007)
Starring: John Clarke
This authorised 'Daggography' (the most important document ever discovered in New Zealand), celebrates a golden age in our nation's history beginning... Read more
Hone Tuwhare: No Other Lips (1996)
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Hone Tuwhare
Early in 1995, Hone Tuwhare one of the country's best-known, best-loved and most colourful literary figures allowed a film crew to observe him at home... Read more
The New Zealand Wars: Episode 5 (1998)
8/10
Starring: James Belich
"The East Coast Wars". The East Coast Wars raged from Taupo to East Cape, Hauraki to Hawke's Bay, over seven years from 1865 to 1872, bringing fire an... Read more
Operation 8 (2011)
7.4/10
Director: Errol Wright, Abi King-Jones
On October 15th 2007, activists around New Zealand woke to guns in their faces. Black-clad police smashed down doors, dragging families out onto roads... Read more
NZSAS: First Among Equals (2007)
8.9/10
Made for TV3's Inside New Zealand documentary slot, this 3-part series is a unique in-depth look at New Zealand's most elite fighting force. Beginnin... Read more
Lindon Puffin's Figure 8000: A Road Movie (2006)
Director: Lindon Puffin
2 guys - 4 islands - 8000kms - 1 dodgy motorhome. Ride alongside folk/punk's lunch-time legend Lindon Puffin as he attempts a liverbending 108 night n... Read more
The Ground We Won (2015)
8.1/10
Director: Christopher Pryor, Miriam Smith
The Ground We Won is a vérité documentary study of manhood as observed through the rites and rituals of a rural New Zealand rugby club. With great baw... Read more
Earth Whisperers / Papatuanuku (2009)
Director: Kathleen Gallagher
Kathleen Gallagher's film "Earth Whisperers/Papatuanuku" was shot at spectacular locations around New Zealand by acclaimed cameramen Alun Bollinger an... Read more