In this fifth episode from his personal examination of New Zealand at the end of the 70s, Ian Johnstone explores the then new suburb of Massey in West Auckland — the latest instalment in what seemed, at the time, like an unending march of urban sprawl (which had already produced seemingly far-flung suburbs like Otara and Porirua). For Johnstone, Massey is an "infestation of houses", bafflingly lacking in community amenities. By turns wry, considered and accusatory, this masterful performance would have made him few friends in town planning circles.
I like to think it caught the change swing of our country in the late 70s, even carried a few prophetic insights.– Ian Johnstone on Johnstone’s Journey in his memoir Stand and Deliver, page 142
Produced by TV One in association with the National Film Unit
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