Utu Pihikete

A colonial widow, recently arrived in New Zealand from England, answers an advertisement from a stoic settler for a wife. They agree to an arrangement. Later Mrs Brown forms an attachment to their Māori servant girl Atawhai, and slowly learns the secret behind her presence. Written by playwright April Phillips (who also plays Mrs Brown) this short film was directed by Christchurch theatre director Craig Hutchison. It was filmed at Wellington's Nairn Street Cottage. ‘Utu Pihikete’ was a derogatory term for half-caste children, meaning “paid for in biscuits”.

She's half of you ... you owe her.

– Beth Brown (April Phillips) to Tom Brown (Steven Ray)

Key Cast & Crew

April Phillips

Writer, As: Beth Brown

Tane Upjohn-Beatson

Composer

Ralph Johnson

As: Reverend

Steven Ray

As: Tom Brown

Matt Sharp

Cinematographer

Craig Hutchison

Director, Producer