About
Pukemanu was the first continuing drama series made in New Zealand. Set in a North Island timber town, it offered characters Kiwis could relate to at a time when New Zealand accents were rarely heard on local screen dramas: rural, bicultural, boozy and blokey. Viewers and reviewers praised its Swannie-clad authenticity. This first episode sees a culture clash as a motorcycle gang (including a young Bruno Lawrence) hits town and causes trouble, running Ray (Geoff Murphy) off the road; and stranded townie Diana (Ginette McDonald) falls in love with a local axeman while hunting.
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"On the screen you saw her as Myra the Maori housewife who dominated the first episode of Pukemanu," NZBC.
Kindly supplied by the Dominion Post.
"Not all the action was on the track at the Tauherenikau races recently, for TV's Pukemanu team was there filming episode 2. Here actress Pat Evison (Phyllis Telford) is seen with a group of young children she has taken to the races yelling home her fave. The filming team with lights, microphones and camera is almost lost among interested onlookers." The Evening Post, 1972.
Kindly supplied by the Dominion Post.
Tony Barry as Dan from Pukemanu.
Photograph by NZBC photographer, Robert Joiner, 1971. Kindly supplied by the Dominion Post.
"Vernon Hill acting out his prisoner hunting role for the Post this morning (Pukemanu)", The Evening Post, 1973.
Kindly supplied by the Dominion Post.
Michael Woolf as Frank Maddock in episode 2 of Pukemanu ‘Never Play Favourites'.
Kindly supplied by the Dominion Post.
A shot from pioneering drama series Pukemanu: Phyllis Telford (Pat Evison) and Angus (Tama Poata) examine an injured Diana Thorpe (Ginette McDonald) in episode 'Pukemanu Welcomes You'.
Kindly supplied by TVNZ Archives
Phyllis Telford (Pat Evison) and Dr Rhyder (Ian Watkin) examine the racing form.
Kindly supplied by TVNZ Archives.
A dinner scene from Pukemanu. Ian Watkin plays Dr Rhyder, top left.
Kindly supplied by TVNZ Archives.
