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'
Death on the Amazon (2003)
Director: Simon Atkins
Starring: Sir Peter Blake
Featuring two short documentaries, the first, 'Sir Peter Blake: The Man' outlines a staggering career in sailing and a personal portrait of a New Zeal... 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
A Flying Visit: Series 1 and 2 (2002)
Starring: Jim Hickey
Former TVNZ weatherman and pilot Jim Hickey flies his plane to some of the country's more unique and remote areas, in search of colourful characters a... Read more
Captain's Log (2002)
6.4/10
Starring: Peter Elliot
Follow in the footsteps of Captain James Cook. Re-live his amazing voyage and first contact with Maori. Peter Elliott sails around New Zealand using t... Read more
In a Land of Plenty (2002)
8.4/10
Director: Alister Barry
Starring: Narrated by, Ian Johnstone
The story of unemployment in New Zealand using extensively researched archive footage and interviews with those close to the action. We trace the orig... Read more
Hotere (2001)
7.3/10
Director: Merata Mita
Starring: Ralph Hotere
"Hotere" is a documentary about a complex man who is Aotearoa New Zealand's greatest living artist. Ralph Hotere is intensely creative and wildly inno... Read more
Early Days Yet (2001)
Director: Shirley Horrocks
One of New Zealand's greatest writers, Alan Curnow has a major international reputation. Winner of 7 New Zealand Book Awards and the Commonwealth Poet... Read more
Titless Wonders (2001)
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Aimee Gruar, Jan Bolwell, Kay Larking, Ruth Bly
An upfront documentary dealing with emotional journeys travelled after a breast cancer diagnosis. Filmmaker Gaylene Preston has seen women in her fami... Read more
The Venison Hunters (2001)
Director: Anon
Starring: Mike Bennett
Join Mike Bennett as he follows the development of the venison industry in the South Island of New Zealand. Meet some of the characters involved in re... Read more
New Zealand Railways Story (2000)
Documenting the story of New Zealand's railway system from the 7 km line between Christchurch and Ferrymead, opening in 1863, to the beginning of the... Read more