Kia Ora Bonjour - Part Two

In this second part of Kia Ora Bonjour Sir Howard Morrison continues his exploration of France — plus an early Kiwi French connection. Back in Rotorua he welcomes Les Bleus (the French rugby team), teaches them about the haka, and looks back at Marion du Fresne’s first, fatal contact with Māori in 1772. In France Morrison checks out Bordeaux wines, takes a spa in Dax, goes fishing in multicultural Marseille, takes a TGV fast train, and cruises Paris in a Citroën. The Kiwi production was made for TV3, to mark the bicentennial of the French Revolution.

So maybe I thought culturally our people may not be too far apart? They seemed to appreciate the welcome. What they probably didn't realise is that their visit is only the latest in a long line of French arrivals in New Zealand. In fact the first Europeans to ever get to know the Māori in New Zealand were French.

– Howard Morrison watches the French rugby team hongi on arrival in Rotorua

Key Cast & Crew

Dale Bradley

Producer

George Andrews

Director

Howard Morrison

Presenter

Selwyn Muru

Chants

Lindsay Dawber

Research

Larry Killip

Composer