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'
The Art of Recovery (2015)
Director: Peter Young
As demolition gangs reduce ruins to rubble, artists, innovators and entrepreneurs are bringing life back to the streets of post-quake Christchurch, em... Read more
The Heart Dances (2018)
Director: Rebecca Tansley
An iconic film is re-imagined by celebrated Czech dancers Jirí and Otto Bubenicek for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, setting the stage for a voyage int... Read more
Blerta: The Return Trip (2003)
6.8/10
Director: Geoff Murphy
Starring: Bruno Lawrence, Ian Watkin, John Clarke, Ian Mune
In 1970, Bruno Lawrence formed a group of musicians, actors and aspiring filmmakers, and set out in a bus to tour the country. He called it the 'Bruno... Read more
Marti: The Passionate Eye (2004)
6.2/10
Director: Shirley Horrocks
Director Shirley Horrocks traces the dramatic personal story of Marti Friedlander, one of New Zealand's leading photographers, alongside the major soc... Read more
Here to Stay: Series 1 (2007)
7.3/10
Starring: Frano Botica, Jackie Clark, Ewen Gilmour, Theresa Healey, Michael Hurst, Bernadi...
Travelling the country in search of their own ethnic roots, comedian Ewen Gilmour, entertainer Jackie Clark, rugby legend Frano Botica, reporter/direc... Read more
Intrepid Journeys: Volume 2 (2007)
6.9/10
Starring: Marcus Lush, Miriama Smith, Dave Dobbyn, Kim Hill, Andrew Fagan, etc ...
10 more intrepid travellers hit the road in TVNZ's revealing series. Marcus Lush heads off on the Trans-Siberian Railway; Miriama SMith finds herself... Read more
A Civilised Society (2007)
Director: Alister Barry
Kiwi filmmaker Alister Barry tells the epic story of the struggle between teachers and the radical right during the 1980s and '90s, as the free market... Read more
Haunting Douglas (2003)
6.4/10
Director: Leanne Pooley
Starring: Douglas Wright
'Haunting Douglas' is a documentary about Douglas Wright; choreographer, dancer, artist. From Tuakau, New Zealand to the stages of New York, Douglas'... Read more
Land of the Long White Cloud (2009)
8.2/10
Director: Florian Habicht
Filmmaker Florian Habicht returns to his home turf of Northland for "Land of the Long White Cloud", a follow-up in many ways to his 2004 documentary "... Read more
The Big Picture (2007)
8.1/10
Starring: Hamish Keith
'The Big Picture' is a series of six documentaries surveying the history of art in New Zealand. Hamish Keith presents a provocative yet accessible vie... Read more