1951

In 1951, New Zealand temporarily became a police state. Civil liberties were curtailed, freedom of speech denied, and people could be imprisoned for providing food to those involved. This award-winning documentary tells the story of the 1951 lockout of waterside workers, and what followed: an extended nationwide strike, confrontation and censorship. There are interviews with many involved, from workers to journalists and police. At the 2002 NZ Television Awards, 1951 won awards for Best Documentary and Documentary Director (John Bates). Costa Botes backgrounds 1951 here.

...wage rates had got so low in this country that even the Arbitration Court bought down a wage rise of 15 per cent. The waterfront authority brought down a decision: nine per cent, take it or leave it.

– Ex NZ Waterside Workers' Union leader Jock Barnes on events before the dispute began

Key Cast & Crew

Bryan Shaw

Editor

Peter Elliott

Narrator

John Bates

Director, Producer

Peter Kraan

Sound Recordist

Karen Bates

Script Editor , Research

Tom Ludvigson

Composer