The New Zealanders

This 1978 National Film Unit documentary chronicles the daily lives of New Zealanders in various places: factory, beach, hospital, oil rig, country town, sheep farm, market garden, Auckland produce market, art gallery and primary school. Narration-free, the film features montages of stills by photographer Ans Westra. The impression is of New Zealand as a busy nation of makers and growers, alongside singing ‘Oma Rapiti’ at the bach and visiting the art gallery. Terry towelling, walk shorts, and denim shirts are date stamps. The script is by onetime Variety film reviewer Mike Nicolaidi.

Right everyone. Looking this way — keep still.

– School teacher taking a photograph of her class

Key Cast & Crew

John King

Director

Derek Wright

Producer

Mike Nicolaidi

Writer

Ivars Berzins

Assistant Camera

David H Fowler

Executive Producer

Brian Shennan

Sound Mix