Heartland - The Catlins

Heartland host Gary McCormick hunkers down in the Catlins ("New Zealand the way it used to be"), the wild southern coast stretching between Invercargill and Balclutha. After watching the action at school sports day, he discovers a rural community revolving around family, church and pub. Interviewees include a Metallica-loving teenager who has just bought his second car, for cruising; and spoon collector Kitty 'Granny' Burgess. He also visits a rugged Long Point farm to check out rare yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho), who look very punk during moulting season.

In the Catlins, life still revolves around ordinary things — it centers on the family and school, and one of the two social anchors of the district: the church or the pub. Social division is sharp and clear. The locals put it simply — there are the elbow benders and the kneebenders

– Presenter Gary McCormick, early in this documentary

Key Cast & Crew

Yvette Thomas

Director

William Grieve

Producer

Keith Ballantyne

Composer

Gary McCormick

Presenter

Swami Hansa

Camera

John Patrick

Sound