Geoff Murphy was a leading figure in the first wave of New Zealand directors who emerged in the 1970s. With the popular success of his first features, especially road movie Goodbye Pork Pie, Murphy paved the way for many other New Zealand directors. Murphy is particularly noted for his skill at directing action and knockabout comedy.
For our own sense of identity, cultural independence and feeling of nationhood we need our own voice in the form of a film industry.
– Geoff Murphy, 2003