220 Miles

This documentary chronicles the story of Waikato women’s refuge Te Whakaruruhau, and shines a light on a subject not often shown in mainstream New Zealand media: family violence in rural areas. Written "by the women of the Waikato", the film features interviews with the women behind the refuge, who have created a space for victims of domestic violence, safe from danger. Directed by Richard Allan Litt, the documentary screens in Kiwi cinemas from March 2018, with proceeds going to the refuge. Te Whakaruruhau, founded in 1987, was the first Māori women’s refuge.

It came to the point that I just had to get out: run and live, or stay and die really.

– A woman describes leaving a violent relationship

Key Cast & Crew

Richard Allan Litt

Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor

Andrew James

Producer, Editor, Production Manager

Mike Bloemendal

Sound Mix

David Four

Presenter, Interviewer

Tom Fox

Composer, Composer

Marshall Smith

Composer, Composer