Winners & Losers: Big Brother, Little Sister

Television (Full Length) – 1976

This story probably departs from the original the least of all the films … the situation could arise in any family where there is, for instance, a mother who is as insecure as Wiki.
– Director Ian Mune, in 1977 Department of Education booklet Big Brother, Little Sister - Shooting Script

I sent a telegram to the makers, saying, 'Congratulations and thanks for turning an inferior drama into a superior short drama’.
– Author Witi Ihimaera, in 1977 Department of Education booklet Big Brother, Little Sister - Shooting Script

Not surprisingly given its ringing critique, Big Brother, Little Sister was controversial in the Māori community. It aroused debates involving conflicting perceptions of the film as a positive step in highlighting pressing socio-cultural issues and, alternatively, as reinforcing negative Māori stereotypes.
– Writer Trisha Dunleavy in her 2005 book Ourselves in Primetime, page 90

She doesn't want us anymore...
– Jane (Julie Wehipeihana) on her Mum

The moment I see him, I know I've got my Big Brother. This kid is all cheek. Handsome, with sharp, intelligent eyes and an oddly off-hand manner hiding a questing enthusiasm.
– Ian Mune on casting Dale Williams to play the brother, in Mune's 2010 autobiography

Preparing the way for Māori drama that would appear in the 1980s, Big Brother Little Sister was the first TV drama to explore the alienation of Māori in a contemporary urban setting.
– Writer Trisha Dunleavy in her 2005 book Ourselves in Primetime, page 90