Coal Valley

This short 1979 National Film Unit documentary heads up the steep bush-clad West Coast valleys from Rūnanga, to profile the men at work at five private coal mines. Director Conon Fraser (Looking at New Zealand) showcases the remarkable DIY resourcefulness required by the small groups of miners. The rugged individuals work the seams, push bins along steep incline railways and dump the loads down vertiginously steep flumes. At the time this film was made waning prospects for the unique way of life were looking up, as high oil prices spurred demand for coal. 

Many of the independent miners follow in a family tradition. All of them value the freedom that working a leasehold claim offers in living their own unique way of life.

– From the narration

Key Cast & Crew

Derek Wright

Producer

Conon Fraser

Writer, Director

Brian Shennan

Sound Mix

Judy Rymer

Editor

Roger Goldstone

Sound

Kit Rollings

Sound