Documentary series Making New Zealand tells the story of how Aotearoa was developed by early settlers. In this episode from season two, the history of mining is explored, starting with the discovery of gold in the mid 1800s, through to coal mining, natural gas extraction and oil drilling. The significance of the Otago gold rush is explored, which both "kickstarted New Zealand's economy" and motivated huge immigration to the South Island — particularly early settlers from China. Also covered: the 1908 coal miners' strike, the Denniston mining community, and the Strongman and Pike River disasters.