In The Governor's fourth episode, war looms in the Waikato as Māori iwi band together. Peacemaker and kingmaker Wiremu Tāmihana (Don Selwyn) agonises over the right course of action. This episode was a notable bicultural flagbearer in terms of drawing on Māori knowledge and oral history, and featuring extensive te reo. It follows key events from the early 1830s to 1863, leading to the investiture of the first Māori King. Discussions between historical figures like Te Wherowhero, Rewi Maniapoto and Te Heuheu are dramatised; motivations are revealed, and lines drawn. The episode won a Feltex Award for Best Script.
As a fellow adulterer and master political manipulator, Muldoon may have identified with Grey.– Governor scriptwriter Keith Aberdein, on Prime Minister Robert Muldoon’s attacks on the series (see 'background' tab under the video player)
Produced by Television One in association with the National Film Unit
NZ On Screen acknowledges the talent and creatives for allowing NZ On Screen to reproduce The Governor on this website
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