The Black Legacy

In this 2014 documentary, singer Whirimako Black explores the World War II experience of her late father Stewart Black (who enlisted as Tai Paraki), and its legacy for his whānau. With her daughter Ngatapa — also a singer — Whirimako returns to Cassino in Italy. The 1944 battle helped forge the reputation of the Māori Battalion, but they suffered heavy losses, and it left survivors like Paraki with trauma and shame. The pair respond in word and song to the place — and to their koro’s memories, which were captured by director Reuben Collier for earlier doco Monte Cassino 60 Years On.

This is our journey of discovery, of our father who was in the 28 Māori Battalion, and how World War II shaped his character: as a father, and as a grandfather.

– Whirimako Black

Key Cast & Crew

Wena Harawira

Writer, Narrator

Whirimako Black

Subject

Reuben Collier

Producer, Director

Rāhera Herewini-Mulligan

Editor

Lee Collier

Production Manager

Annie Murray

Network Commissioner