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Hero image for NZ Story - Meng Foon

NZ Story - Meng Foon

Television (Full Length) – 2013

In 2001 Meng Foon was the only serving New Zealand mayor to speak fluent Māori and Cantonese — and that was still the case when this documentary was made in 2013. Foon campaigns for a fifth term as mayor of Gisborne, appearing on local radio shows, door knocking and travelling long distances to connect with locals in small towns. Foon and his family talk about their Chinese heritage, and Foon reveals a lesser-known musical talent. Foon cultivated a deep relationship with the large Māori community in the Tairāwhiti district. In 2019 he resigned after 18 years as mayor.

How's that my bro? Ka pai?
– Mayor and sometime singer/composer Meng Foon asks about his performance

Key Cast & Crew

Generic Profile image for Richard Harling

Richard Harling

Camera

Profile image for Dean Cornish

Dean Cornish

Director, Camera

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Melanie Rakena

Producer

Generic Profile image for Te Hira Henderson

Te Hira Henderson

Kaitiaki

Generic Profile image for Jude Callen

Jude Callen

Network Executive

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Irene Gardiner

Story Consultant

See all 14 credits