Profile image for John Bates

John Bates

Director, Producer

John Bates is an award-winning documentary director whose natural modesty belies his talent. His documentaries range across iconic New Zealand themes and events, including the 1951 waterfront dispute, the 1975 Māori Land March, the arts — and the history of local television itself.   

Documentaries that search for (and stay loyal to) the truth are essential in a world that gives credence to 'alternative facts'. John Bates

Thumbnail image for John Bates: Documenting New Zealand...
Interview

John Bates: Documenting New Zealand...

Interview, 2011

Thumbnail image for Through the Lens - The First 10 Years of Māori Television

Through the Lens - The First 10 Years of Māori Television

2014, Story Editor - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television

50 Years of New Zealand Television

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 1 - From One Channel to One Hundred

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 1 - From One Channel to One Hundred

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 2 - The Whole World's Watching

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 2 - The Whole World's Watching

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 3 - Let Us Entertain You

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 3 - Let Us Entertain You

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 4 - Winners and Losers

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 4 - Winners and Losers

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 5 - Telling Stories

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 5 - Telling Stories

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 6 - A Sense of Identity

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 6 - A Sense of Identity

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 7 - Taonga TV

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 7 - Taonga TV

2010, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Christine Hellyar - Artist and Naturalist

Christine Hellyar - Artist and Naturalist

2009, Co-Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Reflections - Gretchen Albrecht

Reflections - Gretchen Albrecht

2006, Co-Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Contemplating the Landscape - Stanley Palmer in Karamea

Contemplating the Landscape - Stanley Palmer in Karamea

2005, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for New Faces Old Fears

New Faces Old Fears

2004, Co-Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Gang Girls

Gang Girls

2003, Consulting Director - Television

Thumbnail image for 1951

1951

2001, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for 2000 Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

2000 Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

2000, Post-Production Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Motormania

Motormania

1998, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Motormania - First Episode

Motormania - First Episode

1998, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Motormania - Episode Two

Motormania - Episode Two

1998, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for An Immigrant Nation - Hoots Mon, The Scots in New Zealand

An Immigrant Nation - Hoots Mon, The Scots in New Zealand

1996, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Sense of Place: Robin Morrison, Photographer

Sense of Place: Robin Morrison, Photographer

1993, Director, Producer - Television