NZ On Screen

Kate Hawley

2026-03-19T02:40:08Z

Costume Designer

Growing up in Wellington, Kate Hawley began making sets and costumes while at Samuel Marsden Collegiate. She went on to study the craft at Wellington Polytechnic then took up a scholarship to London's Motley Theatre Design Course, before returning home to design sets and costumes for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand Opera and other notable stage productions. Her impressive screen career includes major Hollywood movies like Crimson Peak, Edge of Tomorrow, Suicide Squad and the television series Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. In 2026 Hawley won both an Oscar and a BAFTA for her costume design on Frankenstein.

Megaton

2026-03-18T23:37:54Z

Music Video, 1978

Auckland punks Suburban Reptiles announce their arrival with debut single 'Megaton', written by guitarist Billy Planet (or Will Pendergrast, to his mum). The TVNZ-produced video captures the band's media-baiting image, with Reptiles flaunting outlandish get-ups and partying on a balcony above Queen Street’s Classic Cinema before taking to a pedestrian crossing below. Lead vocalist Zero (Clare Elliott) accessorises a rubbish bag tunic with pegs and Buster Stiggs (soon to be a member of The Swingers) has given his drumsticks to the child on his shoulders. Bassist Bones Hillman would later find fame with Aussies Midnight Oil.

The Longest Night

2026-03-16T02:58:22Z

Television, 1993, (Full Length)

In late February, Antarctica enters a dark, frozen and challenging winter. From the Wild South documentary series, The Longest Night follows a small group of New Zealanders on a four-month 'winter shift' at Scott Base. With months of darkness, plunging temperatures and roaring winds, maintaining the team's health and morale is paramount. Good food, recreation, creative outlets and time with the American team at McMurdo Station help lift their spirits through the long, lonely season. Midwinter is marked by a special dinner, an icy polar skinny dip and a medical emergency that sees the Kiwi team spurred into action.

Hineani Melbourne

2026-03-13T02:53:34Z

Director, Producer [Ngāi Tūhoe, Waikato-Tainui]

Pioneering Māori producer and director Hineani Melbourne began her career in journalism with Mana newspaper before moving into children's television at TVNZ. She directed and produced landmark documentaries with the Māori Women's Welfare League, and worked across Māori broadcasting, short film and radio, mentoring emerging storytellers along the way. As chair of Ngā Aho Whakaari, she championed Māori screen policy and the protection of cultural archives. Melbourne is also an academic, with a strong research focus on ownership and kaitiakitanga of Aotearoa's screen content.

Till I Die

2026-03-12T02:48:43Z

Music Video, 1982

Teenage North Shore band The Screaming Meemees were already creating a buzz before mainstream radio was rocked when their song 'See Me Go' entered the charts at number one. 'Till I Die' featured on the B-side of the hit single. Layered, colour saturated performance shots are cut on the beat to highlight the post-punk, jerky rhythm of the song, and a Union Jack and British military-style coats mirror the song's marching band drumbeat and early New Wave aesthetic. According to Propeller Records founder Simon Grigg the lyrics were drawn from Catholic hymns, a nod to their Rosmini College days.

Michele Perry

2026-03-12T02:28:46Z

Makeup

Makeup designer Michele Perry has been working across New Zealand and international film and television for over two decades. After studying illustration and completing a diploma in makeup artistry, she began her career as a makeup artist on youth series The Tribe. Perry has since contributed her creative eye to web series Reservoir Hill, drama series After the Party and comedy series Wellington Paranormal. Perry has also worked on blockbuster features including Avatar, Rise of the Planet of The Apes, The Adventures of Tintin and The Hobbit trilogy. From 2009 to 2018 she also led Hair and Makeup for the World of WearableArt stage show.

To Save the Kākāpō

2026-03-12T01:56:15Z

Television, 1998, (Full Length)

Filmed on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, this episode of long-running series Wild South examines the secretive lives of the kākāpō and their most successful breeding season in 16 years. Though these lovable parrots are notoriously slow-breeding, a 52-person recovery team pulls out all the stops — including spy cameras and robo-birds — to help the adult birds canoodle as much as possible, and keep the resulting chicks alive. When the episode starting filming in 1998, there were only about 50 kākāpō left. Since then, that number has more than quadrupled, but the kākāpō remains one of the world's most endangered birds.

Mark DeFriest

2026-03-11T19:01:25Z

Director, Producer

Mark DeFriest became New Zealand’s youngest television director when he arrived at Avalon to take over the twice-weekly soap opera Close to Home in 1977. Over the next half-decade, DeFriest worked on local comedies, dramas and children's shows, generating extensive television production experience that would result in hundreds of hours of credits on both sides of the Tasman. Although born in the United States, his globetrotting childhood made him an adaptable character, and his love of storytelling saw him lead some of Aotearoa’s most iconic programmes.

Play It Strange - 2008

2026-03-09T23:50:21Z

Television, 2008, (Full Length Episode)

Documentary series Play It Strange shines a light on the talent involved in the charitable trust's high school songwriting competition. Judges for the 2008 competition include trust founder and former Split Enz bassist Mike Chunn, Hamish Jackson from the Rockshop and two famous faces from 1980s pop, songwriters Dianne Swann and Jordan Luck. This episode profiles four diverse musical acts whose songs are up for consideration: Taranaki teenage rock band Statuary, acoustic balladeer and reluctant farm girl Jessica Smith, Noel Gallagher fan Tom Holden, and nine-piece group Essence with a joyous, funky ode to their community.

Paradise Soldiers

2026-03-09T23:25:39Z

Television, 2020, (Full Length)

When World War I began, 500 Cook Islands men signed up with New Zealand to fight on European soil. Many lost their lives or returned home deeply changed. Documentary Paradise Soldiers looks at the strong bond between the Pacific Island nation and the New Zealand Defence Force, with veterans and their immediate families sharing the impact war has had on their lives. For Vietnam War veteran Ngatupuna Moeroa Harry Tei, active service brought tragedy home. While younger generations join up for the jobs and overseas opportunities the NZDF provides, archivist Paula Paniani honours veterans by cleaning up neglected headstones.

Play it Strange - 2007

2026-03-09T04:24:51Z

Television, 2007, (Full Length Episode)

It's tough going in the judges' room for this episode of documentary series Play It Strange. A panel of songwriters and music personalities like Jordan Luck, Hamish Jackson, C4 music show host Jane Yee and Play It Strange Trust founder Mike Chunn must decide which of five promising acts has won the 2007 Play it Strange high school songwriting competition. The contenders include 2006 winner Anna Macdonald, Wellingtonian Louis Baker with his "amazing voice" and a Hutt Valley duo with their buzzy, Britpop-like track 'Commuter Train'. At the award ceremony the finalists see their songs re-interpreted by professionals.

Stephen Gallagher

2026-03-09T00:20:55Z

Composer

Stephen Gallagher first fell in love with music through synthesizers, playing keys in rock band Breathe with his Hutt Valley High School friends. Since moving into composing and music editing in the early 2000s, he has garnered extensive credits, including frequent work on Sir Peter Jackson projects. This includes music editing and composition for The Hobbit trilogy, music editing for Mortal Engines, andThe Beatles: Get Back, which earned him an Emmy as part of the sound editing team. He also won an Emmy for music direction and composition for Secrets at Red Rocks, alongside David Long. Long and Gallagher's long-time collaboration includes co-composing for the series Mystic, and film Russian Snark.

Good Morning Stonus

2026-03-08T18:58:42Z

Short Film, 2020, (Full Length)

Good Morning Stonus follows the hapless Stonus (John Leigh), who finds himself accidentally drafted into an interplanetary battle, when all he wanted was a free breakfast. Lord Kasimir (Daniel Pujol) has gathered his army of quirky soldiers to prepare to meet the fearsome warlord’s forces. Stonus quickly realises he is woefully underprepared and under-equipped — to make matters worse, he’s already missed the breakfast. Directed by filmmaker and artist Christian Nicolson (This Giant Papier Mâché Boulder is Actually Really Heavy), this sci-fi comedy short embraces a playful, lo-fi look, featuring handcrafted costumes.

What're Ya Doin' Next Christmas Arthur?

2026-02-27T00:13:57Z

Television, 1986, (Full Length)

Arthur Klap and Dr Dave Gerrard are both fit as a fiddle, and proving it by traversing the length of the country — from Bluff to Cape Reinga — in just 16 days. The pair run, swim, cycle and even kayak, bringing a bottle of Southland seawater to release at their Far North destination. The men and their families (driving alongside) stop off along the way to meet locals keen to share their small town's distinct character — from competitive wood chopping to karate board-breaking. This 1986 TV documentary was made to promote a government campaign encouraging Kiwis to enjoy community and fitness activities in their leisure time.

Sgt. Haane

2026-02-25T20:20:24Z

Film, 2026, (Trailer)

In April 1943, during World War II, Sergeant Haane Manahi (Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa) of the 28th Māori Battalion led a small group of soldiers united by whakapapa in a daring assault on a fortified position in Takrouna, Tunisia. Their objective was to secure the sheer-faced pinnacle, defended by over 300 enemy troops. Directed by Tearepa Kahi (Muru, Mt. Zion), this feature-length documentary weaves dramatic reenactments with interviews from descendants of the Māori Battalion to explore Manahi’s extraordinary life and service. Alex Tarrant stars as Manahi, alongside Ryan O'Kane, Vinnie Bennett and John Bach.

Jetstream - The World Jet Boat Marathon

2026-02-22T22:46:00Z

Television, 1981, (Full Length)

In 1981, the World Jet Boat Marathon was held in New Zealand, home to jet boat inventor Sir Bill Hamilton. Acclaimed cinematographer Graeme Cowley (Utu, Smash Palace, Mauri) takes the director's seat in this scenic and explosive documentary, following the week-long event as competitors from around the world take on nine New Zealand rivers. The first half unfolds in the North Island, where the Whanganui River's tricky rapids cause havoc for several teams. Title holder Max McKenzie takes an early lead, but the South Island leg throws up more twists and turns, with complex braided river systems demanding careful navigation.

Health 80 - Kid Dynamite and the Little Cracker; Little Big Man Takes a Shot at the Moon

2026-02-18T04:51:27Z

Television, 1980, (Full Length)

The third episode in a government-commissioned trilogy of films to educate parents about raising healthy children follows earlier episodes on baby and toddler years. Ian Mune again produces and directs from a script co-written with John Banas. He also fills some small roles. Pioneering Māori actor Don Selwyn (The Governor) does his best 'noir detective' turn as the narrator, telling the tale of engaging four-year-old 'Kid Dynamite' dealing with the arrival of baby brother 'Little Cracker'. As four turns to five, Selwyn tells the tale of 'Little Big Man' (played by Mune's own son), an aspiring astronaut embarking on his biggest adventure yet — school.

Health 80 - The Aunty Natal and Posty Natal Shows

2026-02-18T04:51:25Z

Television, 1980, (Full Length)

Part of a government-commissioned three-part series, The Aunty Natal Show and The Posty Natal Show educate soon-to-be parents about pregnancy and postnatal care. Directed and produced by Ian Mune and written by John Banas (playing the over zealous newbie dad) the format is a daytime show presented by velvet-voiced host Derek Payne (The South Tonight). Practical health advice (Gliding On's Ray Henwood playing a GP) is interspersed with Pythonesque sketches addressing myths around pregnancy, birth and babies, featuring Blerta luminaries Ian Watkin and Geoff Murphy. Also included are fascinating vox pops from new parents about the huge change in their lives. The series was broadcast in the Contact documentary slot on TV2.

Health 80 - Adventures on the Floor

2026-02-18T04:51:20Z

Television, 1980, (Full Length)

In the second episode of three government-commissioned films aimed at educating soon-to-be parents on raising healthy children, Lloyd Scott (Video Dispatch) takes the presenting role assisted by 'toddler' puppets Brian and Tania. Ian Mune (Came a Hot Friday) directs a script co-written with actor John Banas (How to Murder Your Wife). The focus of part one of this show is from six to 18 months — when babies evolve into toddlers — followed by 18 months to three years, including the 'terrible twos'. As with the first film, Ray Henwood (Gliding On) plays the friendly family doctor and vox pops from a range of parents offer insights into the action-packed but exhausting toddler years.

Caterpillar

2026-02-17T21:12:01Z

Film, 2026, (Trailer)

In an early-2000s Wellington household, three generations of women navigate love, ambition and change. Single mother Maxine (Lisa Harrow) struggles to fund her filmmaking dreams, and teenage daughter Cassie (Anais Shand) faces the pressures of growing up. All while grandmother Huia (Marta Dusseldorp) quietly confronts a dementia diagnosis, retreating into her fascination with monarch butterflies as her mind begins to falter. When the family’s needs clash, they must learn to adapt together. Caterpillar marks actor-turned-director Chelsie Preston Crayford's move into feature filmmaking in this female-led family drama.

Project Fiftyone

2026-02-16T20:39:07Z

Film, 2025, (Trailer)

Shaken in the aftermath of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, young Muslim New Zealand couple Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi chose to respond to hate with hope. In remembrance of the 51 lives lost during the terrorist attack, the pair set out to fund 51 micro-businesses in their home country of Afghanistan, a nation whose people have endured decades of war. Project Fiftyone follows their journey over three months in Kabul, capturing the challenges and impact of their humanitarian mission. The documentary was directed by Gaylene Barnes (River of Freedom) alongside first-time filmmakers Shah and Afrasyabi.