Ōtara - Defying the Odds

Post-war Māori, Pākehā and Pacific Island migrants made Ōtara the fastest growing area in New Zealand. But as local industries closed, it became a poster suburb for poverty and crime. Directed by Haunui Royal, this TV3 Inside New Zealand documentary showcases eight successful Ōtara luminaries — from actor Rawiri Paretene and MP Tau Henare, to teachers and entrepreneurs. They reflect on mean streets, education, community and the Ōtara spirit. The first documentary from Ōtara-raised producer Rhonda Kite (who is also interviewed), it won Best Māori Programme at the 1999 NZ TV Awards.

One thing I realised in Ōtara, that our pupils would need more than anything else, was a sense of self-esteem — because that was being rapidly taken away form them by a stupidly hostile, well not hostile, but derogatory, press.

– Former Hillary College principal Garfield Johnson

Key Cast & Crew

Rawiri Paratene

Subject

Haunui Royal

Director

Rhonda Kite

Producer, Subject

Jimmy Roberts

Online Editor

Mark Wheeler

Online Editor

Terry King

Sound Recordist