Science Express - 1984 'Best of'

From a pre-Mythbusters but post-blackboard and pointer era, Christchurch-produced Science Express took a current affairs approach to reporting contemporary NZ scientific research. Presented by broadcaster Ken Ellis this 1984 ‘best of’ dives beneath fiords to explore mysterious black coral forests; and looks at teeth transplants, efforts to stimulate deer fawning, and the STD chlamydia. Finally the show visits Wellington and Christchurch Town Halls to profile concert hall acoustics pioneer Harold Marshall, and his mission to attain perfect sound for listeners.

In short it’s worth millions of dollars, but for the very reason it grows in the fiords, this huge resource is unlikely to provide a powerful source of overseas funds. The type of species and the conditions in Fiordland mean that the coral grows extremely slowly, and the scientists now believe that it can only be viewed as a non-renewable resource.

– The black coral report notches another win for the turtle

Key Cast & Crew

Larry Podmore

Director

Denis Harvey

Producer

Allanah James

Reporter

Fred Gear

Computer Graphics

Dave Johnstone

Graphics

Patricia Bishop

Editor