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'
Trouble is My Business (2008)
6.5/10
Director: Juliette Veber
The inspirational story of Peachy (that's Mr Peach, to you), an unconventional but determined-as-hell teacher in a tough South Auckland school. When... 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
War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us (1995)
Director: Gaylene Preston
Starring: Pamela Quill, Flo Small, Tui Preston, Jean Andrews
Seven women discuss their secret lives during World War II in this unique, moving, unforgettable film. Featuring Pamela Quill, Flo Small, Tui Preston,... Read more
Water Whisperers / Tangaroa (2010)
Director: Kathleen Gallagher
Shot in stunning locations around New Zealand, this film explores the work of 10 communities as they seek to heal damaged waterways and protect them f... Read more
Waves (2006)
6.7/10
Director: Li Tao
Follows brief periods in the lives of four Chinese teenagers attending high school in New Zealand, achieving a rare level of intimacy that keeps you f... Read more
What Lies Beneath (2006)
6.6/10
Starring: Simon Dallow
In this eight part series, Simon Dallow takes viewers on a journey back in time to the earliest stages of Maori and Pakeha occupation in New Zealand.... Read more
When a City Falls (2012)
8.7/10
Director: Gerald Smyth
The Canterbury earthquakes, shot in the streets of Christchurch. What happens to half a million New Zealanders the year their lives change forever. Read more
Who Laughs Last?: A Documentary About Roger Hall (2006)
8.5/10
Director: Shirley Horrocks
Starring: Peter Elliott, John Clarke, Ginette McDonald, Fiona Samuel, Roger Hall, Grant Ti...
One of New Zealand's best known playwrights, Roger Hall has been tickling the kiwi funnybone for 30 years. This documentary from Shirley Horrocks inv... Read more
Wild About New Zealand (2013)
7.7/10
Gus Roxburgh is wild about New Zealand! He loves adventure, the outdoors and especially New Zealand's rugged wild lands - and what better place to enj... Read more
Wild South: Summer Special (2008)
7.8/10
Award-winning, international filmmaker Natural History New Zealand has enthralled millions of viewers for more than three decades with their documenta... Read more