Encounter - I Think I Go to New Zealand

This edition of TV2’s Sunday documentary slot explores the life of “pioneer woman” Lukre Martinovich. Martinovich departed the Dalmatian coast for New Zealand in 1907, as a 21-year-old mail-order bride. She recounts experiences starting a family of 12, while scraping kauri gum in Northland’s ‘black swamp’. A visit to Otamatea Kauri Museum spurs memories, and some of her 160 descendants gather at Ruawai Bowling Club to celebrate her birthday. Dancing stops for Lukre (also known as Lucy) to follow a punt on the races on the radio, with the local priest on hand as support.

It was 65 years since Lucy had last sat scraping kauri gum, but like peeling potatoes it’s not a skill you can easily forget.

– Lukre Martinovich scrapes gum at the Kauri Museum

Key Cast & Crew

Bil Henderson

Editor

Wayne Bell

Narrator

George Andrews

Writer, Director

Andrew Ennever

Sound

Ken Dorman

Camera