Hidden in the Numbers

In this three-part series, presenter Te Radar looks at New Zealand through a statistical lens, using births, deaths, pay packets, travel, consumption of goods and leisure time, to reach some conclusions about how Kiwis live — and how that has changed. Episode one looks at urbanisation and how New Zealanders' ethnic make-up and family unit is rapidly changing. In episode two the focus is on how New Zealanders make and spend their money, and how people's expectations have developed. The final episode examines quality of life and the big footprint left by consumerism. The interviewees include academics Paul Spoonley and Caroline Daley, and social historian Tony Simpson.  

There was nothing happening, absolutely nothing. I mean people were so desperate in Christchurch. where I grew up, that they'd drive their car out and sit near the airport, and watch the planes landing and taking off. I mean can you believe it? And this was their weekend recreation...

– Historian Tony Simpson on suburban New Zealand before the Saturday shopping revolution, in episode three

Key Cast & Crew

Mark McNeill

Producer, Writer, Research

John Fraser

Editor

Derek Stuart

Writer

Michael O'Connor

Cinematographer

Dianne Lindesay

Producer, Writer, Research

Te Radar

Writer, Presenter