Landmarks - A Land Apart
Presented by Kenneth Cumberland, Landmarks looked at New Zealand history through the landscape — and at man "coming to terms" with it. In this episode Aotearoa's "last, lonely, remote" geography is framed as a stimulus for ingenuity. A narrative of "triumph over the elements" finds its flagbearer in the DIY story of jetboat inventor Bill Hamilton. Cumberland is donnish but game in pursuit of telling landmarks: exposing seashells alongside the Napier-Taupō highway (700 metres above sea level) like a downunder Darwin, or in a gas mask on an erupting White Island.
Roger Mirams
The late Roger Mirams helped launch leading independent film company Pacific Films, and in 1952 co-directed Broken Barrier with John O'Shea — the only local feature made that decade. In 1956 Mirams set up a Pacific Films branch in Melbourne. Over the next four decades he won a reputation in Australia thanks to his many TV shows made for children. Mirams was still working into his 80s; he passed away in 2004.
Billy T James
Billy T James ranks as a key figure in the development of Kiwi comedy. Billy honed his talents as a singer and comedian on stages worldwide, then brought them to a local TV audience on throwback show Radio Times. His self-titled comedy show was a major ratings hit. His turn as the Tainuia kid in Came a Hot Friday is still fondly remembered — as is Billy T's infectious chuckle, black singlet and yellow towel.