Song of the Kauri

This 2012 documentary explores the economic and creative potential of one of the icons of New Zealand’s forest: the kauri. Logging and fire have destroyed 95% of Aotearoa’s great kauri forests (this film was made before kauri dieback disease became a major threat). Director Mathurin Molgat poses a solution to the tree’s survival: commercial harvest. He frames the film around Laurie Williams, who makes guitars from the wood. In this excerpt, musician Tiki Taane talks about Tāne Mahuta, and a tree is prepared for felling. The film screened at a number of festivals in the United States. 

Song of the Kauri tackles the universal politics of living on the tightrope between environmental sustainability and economic survival.

– Director Mathurin Molgat

Key Cast & Crew

Dave Turnbull

Co-Producer, Technical Advisor

Annie Collins

Editor

Mathurin Molgat

Director, Producer, Composer

John Patrick

Sound Recordist

Alan Hereford

Additional Camera

Jeff Aldridge

Additional Camera