We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Play

00:00

/

00:00

Full screen
Video quality

Low 0 MB

High 0 MB

HD 0 MB

Captions
Volume
Volume
Hero image for Kaikohe Demolition

Kaikohe Demolition

Film (Full Length and Trailer) – 2004

PG
Parental Guidance

Director Florian Habicht's follow-up to his offbeat fairytale Woodenhead is a documentary tribute to a community of characters, drawn together by a desire to jump in a car for the local demolition derby. Behind the bangs, prangs, and blow-ups, the heart and soul of a small Far North town — Kaikohe — is laid bare in this full-length film, thanks to a cast of fun-loving, salt of the earth locals. Kaikohe Demolition won rave reviews, and The Listener named it one of the ten best films of 2004. Filmmaker Costa Botes writes about the film's characters and qualities here.

I'm happy that my Dad left me a legacy behind bro', I'm sorry it wasn't a Subaru Legacy.
– One of the bros in their demo car

Acknowledgements

Made with funding from the Screen Innovation Production Fund, a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the NZ Film Commission

Music

Original music composed by Marc Chesterman
Opening Karanga ('Ti Tii'), performed by Charlene Smith 
Closing track 'Haere Mai' performed by Daphne Walker and Bill Wolfgramm's Islanders
'Hiinatore i te Rangi i' (Song for Slow Motion Easter Derby) - vocal by Po Roa, written and performed by Marc Chesterman
 
 

More from the Speed Collection...

Thumbnail image for Trio at the Top

Trio at the Top

This documentary uses archive footage and interviews...

Thumbnail image for McLaren

McLaren

Bruce McLaren was one of the icons of motor racing in...

Thumbnail image for Offerings to the God of Speed

Offerings to the God of Speed

Long before he made 2005 movie The World's...

Thumbnail image for Peter Snell, Athlete

Peter Snell, Athlete

This NFU classic tells Peter Snell's story, up until...

Thumbnail image for Kaikohe Demolition

Kaikohe Demolition

Director Florian Habicht's follow-up to his offbeat...

Thumbnail image for Shaker Run

Shaker Run

Stunt driver Judd (US Oscar winner Cliff Robertson)...

Thumbnail image for On the Run

On the Run

This film showcases legendary running coach Arthur...

Thumbnail image for Britten - Backyard Visionary

Britten - Backyard Visionary

In the late 1980s, Kiwi John Britten developed and...

Thumbnail image for Goodbye Pork Pie

Goodbye Pork Pie

Goodbye Pork Pie was a sensation,...

Thumbnail image for Off the Edge

Off the Edge

Off the Edge was Michael Firth's ode to...

Thumbnail image for Circuits of Gold

Circuits of Gold

Speedway champion Ivan Mauger powered and slid his...

Thumbnail image for The World's Fastest Indian

The World's Fastest Indian

Inspired by the ageing Burt Munro — who took his...

Thumbnail image for Geoff Perry

Geoff Perry

This early short film from Roger Donaldson and Alan...

Thumbnail image for John Walker - The 3.49.4 Man

John Walker - The 3.49.4 Man

On the eve of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, this Keith...

Thumbnail image for The Leading Edge

The Leading Edge

The Leading Edge was Michael Firth's update...

Thumbnail image for Open Door - Wingspan

Open Door - Wingspan

Open Door is series where community projects...

Thumbnail image for Bred to Win

Bred to Win

This National Film Unit documentary looks at...

Thumbnail image for This is Your Life - Peter Snell

This is Your Life - Peter Snell

In September 2000 New Zealand's greatest athlete was...

Thumbnail image for Fender Bending

Fender Bending

This motors and mullets documentary focuses on a group...

Thumbnail image for Jet Boats in New Zealand

Jet Boats in New Zealand

In the 1950s, driven by a desire to power around the...

Thumbnail image for Extraordinary Kiwis - Scott Dixon

Extraordinary Kiwis - Scott Dixon

Motor racing ace Scott Dixon is the subject of this...

Thumbnail image for Monaco Monza Macao Wellington

Monaco Monza Macao Wellington

“For three days, Wellington, New Zealand will...

Thumbnail image for New Zealand Grand Prix

New Zealand Grand Prix

A stylish title sequence sets the tone for this NFU...

Thumbnail image for Smash Palace

Smash Palace

Smash Palace is the Kiwi cinema classic which...

Thumbnail image for If You're in it, You're in it to the Limit - Bikies

If You're in it, You're in it to the Limit - Bikies

This notorious film looks at '70s bikie culture,...

Thumbnail image for Tired from Sleeping

Tired from Sleeping

Director Sam Peacocke injected his love of motor...

Thumbnail image for Mountain Dew on the Edge - Series Three, Episode Four

Mountain Dew on the Edge - Series Three, Episode Four

Lana Coc-Kroft and her all female Extreme Team swing,...

Thumbnail image for Drag Racer

Drag Racer

Chris Stapp and Matt Heath made their name with bad...

Thumbnail image for Grand Prix Down Under

Grand Prix Down Under

This Pacific Films short provides a vivid snapshot of...

Thumbnail image for Extraordinary Kiwis - Greg Murphy

Extraordinary Kiwis - Greg Murphy

This episode of the Prime profile series follows a day...

Thumbnail image for Circuits of Gold

Circuits of Gold

Speedway champion Ivan Mauger powered and slid his...

Thumbnail image for Contact - The Turn of the Wheel

Contact - The Turn of the Wheel

This Contact documentary explores what it...

Thumbnail image for Rally, Like Little Boys in a Man-sized Sport

Rally, Like Little Boys in a Man-sized Sport

This documentary follows the 1973 Heatway Rally, a mud...