Matariki

Iaheto Ah Hi's play Tautai involved an urban car thief who emulates his Tokelauan fishing ancestors — only instead of hunting sharks, he hunts cars. Twelve years and 27 drafts after he first saw the play, director Michael Bennett and co-writer Gavin Strawhan intertwined Tautai's storyline with that of seven other characters. Each person is impacted by one moment of violence. Praising the "excellent ensemble" and Don McGlashan's soundtrack, NZ Herald reviewer Peter Calder argued that Matariki delivers "a touching series of intersecting stories about the fragility of life and the redeeming power of love".

This film’s a little bit unusual. It’s not like a normal film that has one hero and one heroine and one love story. It’s truly an ensemble cast.

– Director Michael Bennett, in the making of clip

Key Cast & Crew

Michael Bennett

Writer, Director

Iaheto Ah Hi

As: Tyrone, Original Author

Gavin Strawhan

Associate Producer, Writer

Fiona Copland

Producer

Joe Naufahu

As: Young Cop

Cherie James

As: Aunty Rachel's Daughter