Wild Horse Wild Country

This NHNZ documentary looks at the fierce debate between animal lovers and ecologists over the wild horses of the Kaimanawa Ranges (with striking footage of them running free). At issue: a delicate tussock land ecosystem with rare native plants dating back thousands of years, increasingly at risk from horses recognised for their uniqueness — but whose numbers have grown tenfold in 15 years. Reducing the herd size is the favoured option. But only younger horses can be sold and, with older ones going to an abattoir, the plan is opposed by the horse lobby.

If the horses stay here, the ancient landscape will die. Ecology is no simple business.

– From the film's narration

Key Cast & Crew

Keith Hunter

Director, Writer, Producer

Fiona Copland

Producer

Bill Toepfer

Editor

Michael Stedman

TVNZ Natural History Executive

Jim Mora

Narrator, Narrator
1994

Errol Samuelson

Sound