Loading Docs 2024 - Mauri Moana

Caulpera brachypus is a sticky, smelly, "snotty" form of algae that is wreaking havoc on oceans all over the world — including New Zealand's Aotea / Great Barrier Island. In this 2024 Loading Docs short film, director Nathaniel Howe examines how caulpera is damaging the delicate ecosystem of the seafloor and, in turn, the culture of the local people. Members of local iwi Ngāti Rehua - Ngāti Wai ki Aotea speak of the importance of the ocean and kai moana (seafood) to their home, and the need to address this dire ecological problem. Mauri Moana translates in English to "the life force of the ocean".     

Our identity of who we are will change because of our food source. 

– Aotea / Great Barrier local Rodney Ngawaka (Ngāti Rehua - Ngāti Wai ki Aotea)

Key Cast & Crew

Nathaniel Howe

Director, Camera Operator, Editor

Stevie Davis-Tana

Producer

Nia Phipps

Producer

Patrick Oxnam

Online Editor

Jo Walker

Sound Mix

Amelia Watts

Post Supervisor