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'
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
The New Zealand Wars: Episode 1 (1998)
8/10
Starring: James Belich
"The War That Britain Lost". In 1916 while New Zealand focused on a great war, 12,000 miles away, another war ended in the heart of the North Island.... 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
Velvet Dreams (1998)
5/10
Director: Sima Urale
A titillating introduction to the world of velvet painting, a genre most noted for its portraits of topless 'dusky maidens' painted on black velvet. W... Read more
The Real New Zealand (1997)
Director: Shirley Horrocks
An entertaining look at New Zealand through the eyes of international tourists who choose to move out of their comfort zones and stay in local homes r... Read more
Conquest of Everest 1953 (1997)
Starring: Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay
This fascinating documentary cuts together actual archival footage of Edmund Hillary's journey and the surrounding circumstances and scenery. Giving i... 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
Kiwi As (1996)
Director: Shirley Horrocks
An entertaining and informative look at the popular 'icons' of New Zealand's unique culture. Directed by Shirley Horrocks, this is the sequel (by pop... Read more
Transformers (1996)
8.2/10
Director: Shirley Horrocks
The most popular exhibition of contemporary art ever held in New Zealand was this international survey of artworks that transform themselves, or their... Read more
Someone Else's Country (1996)
Director: Alister Barry
Starring: Narrated by, Ian Johnstone
This feature documentary, narrated by Ian Johnstone, tells the story of how the 'new right' took power and exercised it relentlessly to turn our count... Read more