Steven Wallace

In the early hours of 30 April 2000, Steven Wallace was shot by police in Waitara's main street after a window-smashing spree. His death rocked Aotearoa and the government of the day. A Police Complaints Authority report concluded the constable acted in self-defence. This te reo documentary (with subtitles) examines the tragedy from both sides. For local kaumātua the injustice of Wallace's death harks back to the 1880 Parihaka raid, and land seizures by the Crown. Superintendent Pieri Munro fronts the police view of the shooting. Queen's Counsel Peter Williams calls for an independent body to examine fatal police actions.

The police could have backed out and walked away but kept an eye on him as I had ... he was breaking windows, he didn't need to be shot.

– Eyewitness Tom Kettle remembers the night Waitara man Steven Wallace was shot by police

Key Cast & Crew

Mikaire Sutton

As: Steven Wallace

Toni-Jayne Sinclair

Narrator

Moana Sinclair

Director, Narrator

Antauni Sinclair

Writer, Research, As: Constable A

Hone Edwards

Narrator

Kim Webby

Producer