To Live in the City

Made for television in the late 60s, this documentary pursues four young Māori  — Ripeka, Moana, Grace and Phillip  — as they transition from school, whānau and rural life to live in the city. The film follows them as they arrive in Wellington and attend a pre-employment course run by The Department of Māori Affairs, which offers accommodation and advice on employment options. Director Arthur Everard later became NZ's Chief Film Censor. A 1991 sequel To Live in the City 24 Years On, travelled across three countries to pick up on the lives of the four, now middle aged.

I don't like having to use the kids to help out on the farm. When they grow up, I'd rather have them leave than depend on them all the time.

– Okaihau farmer Tapua Hipere

Key Cast & Crew

Arthur Everard

Director, Writer, Editor

Geoffrey Scott

Producer

Ron Bowie

Producer

Graham Pomfret-Brown

Sound

Brian Shennan

Sound

Kit Rollings

Sound