The Gathering

This teledrama explores the tensions surrounding an elderly woman's tangi, as whānau members gather in a suburban house. Alienation of urban Māori — particularly son Paul (Jim Moriarty) — from iwi roots, and differing notions of how to honour the dead, are at the heart of the conflict between the mourners. A pioneering exploration of Māori themes, the Rowley Habib teleplay was one of three one-off dramas the playwright wrote (alongside 1978's The Death of the Land, and 1982's The Protesters) encouraged by director Tony Isaac. It screened in April 1980.

I don’t believe in all that old stuff anymore ... Look Karen: how many times have we been over it — we don’t live in a Māori world anymore!

– Paul Turner (Jim Moriarty) on why he doesn’t want a tangi for his Mother

Key Cast & Crew

Jim Moriarty

As: Paul Turner

Tony Isaac

Producer, Director

Rowley Habib (Rore Hapipi)

Writer

Joe Malcolm

As: Second Pakeke

Helen Moulder

As: Jean

John Bach

As: Lou