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 Wahine Disaster (2008)
Weaving personal stories, state of the art animation and historical footage, this documentary provides a new look at the sinking of the passenger ferr... Read more
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
8.5/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Using state-of-the-art technology and materials from the BBC and Imperial War Museum, filmmaker Peter Jackson allows the story of World War I to be to... Read more
They Shall Not Grow Old (Blu-ray) (2018)
8.5/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Using state-of-the-art technology and materials from the BBC and Imperial War Museum, filmmaker Peter Jackson allows the story of World War I to be to... Read more
This Is New Zealand (1970)
Director: Hugh Macdonald
Directed by Hugh Macdonald, "This Is New Zealand" was made to promote the country at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan. An ambitious concept saw iconic NZ imag... Read more
This Way of Life (2009)
8.1/10
Director: Thomas Burstyn
Starring: Colleen Karena, Peter Karena
Shot over four years, "This Way of Life" is an intimate portrait of Peter Karena and his family. Masterful in the saddle and Hollywood handsome, Peter... Read more
Tickled (2016)
7.6/10
Director: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve
Starring: David Farrier
After stumbling upon a bizarre "competitive endurance tickling" video online, wherein young men are paid to be tied up and tickled, reporter David Far... 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
Topp Twins: Topp Country (2014)
7.4/10
Starring: Jools Topp, Lynda Topp
Twin sisters and celebrated Kiwi comedians/original singer-songwriters, Lynda and Jools Topp (the Topp Twins) take us on a culinary journey around New... Read more
Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls (2009)
7.4/10
Director: Leanne Pooley
Starring: Jools Topp, Lynda Topp
A revealing and engaging look into the lives of the world's only yodelling, lesbian, country and western singing twins, Leanne Pooley's documentary is... 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