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Living in New Zealand - Folklore

1970 13m Television
  • Music
  • NZ History

In this charming footage from 1970, folk musician Phil Garland heads south to hear music and poems important to the locals; from school kids to farmers and the elderly. Touring through rugged Central Otago, he hears tales of country roads, mustering sheep and striking gold. In the oral tradition common in folk music, many of the songs have never been written down or recorded, making the footage particularly special. Hailing from Christchurch, Garland was oft referred to as "the father of New Zealand folk music"  and the musicianship and sense of community he exhibits here, makes it obvious why.