WHINA - Co writer and Co director.
The story of Dame Whina Cooper, the beloved Māori matriarch who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, especially women. Flawed yet resilient, Whina tells the story of a woman formed by tradition, compelled by innovation, and guided by an instinct for equality and justice whose legacy as the Te Whaea o te Motu (Mother of the Nation) was an inspiration to an entire country.
A Matter of Time
A social commentary about 5 resilient teenagers and a glimpse into their lives, the struggle that is their day-to-day reality and how they choose not to let it define who they will become.
This film is based on true accounts.
He Ao Kotahi - Pai in Palestine
The HAKT website intends to document and preserve culture in the way that we do best, by storytelling. So through an indigenous lens, using an indigenous crew, we make a “different” documentary series. It’s a silent consciousness, it’s a “knowing” and it’s an understanding of why things are the way they are and allowing the organic processes to happen but having the skills to ensure a great story will emerge.
Silent Soldiers
With Cambodia one of the most heavily mined areas in the world, SILENT SOLDIERS tells the story of Te Kimiti Gilbert, a Māori engineer who began his de-mining career with the United Nations in Cambodia back in 1993. It follows his latest work including a mine clearance project being trialled using giant African rats.
Tatai Hono: Series 5-7
The key element of this series is Maori rediscovering their Whakapapa and their marae.
Toitu te whenua ngaro ai te tangata.
Raze the Roof
Hip Hop dance is very much a part of NZ’s youth culture. Many people perceive Hip Hop as having a negative influence on our young people.
This documentary is set to dispel that myth.
Lost Boys
3 x 1 hour series for TV3. Twelve teenage boys are given an ultimatum: complete the Youth to Men course or go to prison. The fifteen week course based in Flaxmere, Hawkes Bay is designed to give them practical life skills and qualifications. 12 start the course and only 7 finish.
Once Bitten
Documentary Series about blended families
“In every suburban street - and in more and more families every week - life is getting increasingly complicated.”
Gang Girls
Gang Girls tells the story of seven women who have spent time in New Zealand’s most notorious gangs. This expose of gang women in Aotearoa features hard-hitting and emotional interviews. Winner of a Qantas Media Award for Best Documentary and nominated for three NZ Television Awards.
Street Kids
Producer/Director/Researcher Paula Jones spent intensive time on the streets of Auckland getting to know the ‘street kids' that are the subject of this documentary, before she started shooting. With minimal posturing for the camera, the result is a close portrait of young homeless people.