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The Black Legacy

Television (Full Length) – 2014

In this 2014 documentary, singer Whirimako Black explores the World War II experience of her late father Stewart Black (who enlisted as Tai Paraki), and its legacy for his whānau. With her daughter Ngatapa — also a singer — Whirimako returns to Cassino in Italy. The 1944 battle helped forge the reputation of the Māori Battalion, but they suffered heavy losses, and it left survivors like Paraki with trauma and shame. The pair respond in word and song to the place — and to their koro’s memories, which were captured by director Reuben Collier for earlier doco Monte Cassino 60 Years On.

This is our journey of discovery, of our father who was in the 28 Māori Battalion, and how World War II shaped his character: as a father, and as a grandfather.
– Whirimako Black

Key Cast & Crew

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Wena Harawira

Writer, Narrator

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Whirimako Black

Subject

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Reuben Collier

Producer, Director

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Rāhera Herewini-Mulligan

Editor

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Lee Collier

Production Manager

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Annie Murray

Network Commissioner

See all 15 credits