Gliding On - The Work Experience Scheme (Series Five, Episode Two)

In this episode of the classic office comedy, the team find themselves saddled with the task of mentoring Whetu (Open House's Christina Asher), a young student, as part of a work experience scheme. The office attempts to share all they know about the world of paperwork and files. Meanwhile, Whetu gathers signatures for a petition advocating for more Māori programming. Beryl is on a mission to charm her co-workers into buying raffle tickets, and learning some te reo — including a begrudging Jim. The show marked an early producing credit for actor Ginette McDonald, who also directed this episode. 

...we had great poets at the same time you had Shakespeare. Our language is really important aye. Hey look I've got this petition see. It's to the media — you know radios, paper and the telly — just asking for a bigger percentage of time or space to Māori concerns. What we're really asking for is a fair go aye.

– Whetu (Christina Asher) on the importance of te reo

Key Cast & Crew

Ginette McDonald

Director, Producer

Ross Jolly

As: John

Ken Blackburn

As: Boss

Susan Wilson

As: Beryl

Ray Henwood

As: Hugh

Christina Asher

As: Whetu