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.

Mortimer's Patch - Nothing Changed (Series Three, Episode Six)

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1984

Police drama Mortimer's Patch included a Māori sergeant (played by Don Selwyn) among its quartet of rural coppers, yet the series only rarely explored Māori topics. Penned by Greg McGee, this episode plots a small-town twist on questions of racism, abuse of privilege, and the horse-trading behind which cases go to court. After a theft at the local takeaways, one of a trio of young Māori reacts to the racist perpetrator — a Pākehā businessman — by breaking the law himself. The guest cast includes Frank Whitten (Outrageous Fortune), Selwyn Muru and Temuera Morrison, whose only line is "Honky. Smooth honky. Nasty".

I speak for our children. Theft is theft. You get your teammate with the car to drop the charges against him — we'll do the same for you.
– Hepi Walker (Colin Welsh) to John Marinovich (Gary Day)

Acknowledgements

NZ On Screen acknowledges the talent and creatives for allowing NZ On Screen to reproduce this title on this website

Categories