Beth's World

Lee Tamahori's searing drama Once Were Warriors made Rena Owen a household name in New Zealand. The 1994 film's depiction of domestic violence within a Māori family left cinema goers shaken, and Owen's performance as the resolute Beth Heke made her career. In this documentary, Owen visits Māori women and men whose lives have been marred by family violence. Men who, with the help of organisations like Homai Te Rongopai Trust, are facing their abusive past, and women rape and abuse survivors who are finding new strength in their Māoritanga.

I learnt that the system sucks.

– Shadow chooses to live on the streets after experiencing family violence

Key Cast & Crew

Paul Richards

Camera Operator

Ray Waru

Producer

Mamaengaroa Pere (née Kerr-Bell)

As: Grace Heke

Haunui Royal

Director

Warwick Wrigley

Camera Operator

Rena Owen

Presenter