The Great New Zealand 1kg of Cheese

This 1985 promotional film for the New Zealand Dairy Board catalogues diversifying taste in cheese as Kiwis move beyond the big block of cheddar. New varieties — feta, brie, camembert — are pitched as part of an evolution towards a more exotic and ‘gourmet’ culinary culture. A camel-riding Catherine Saunders looks at the process of how cheese is made in NZ; a highlight is the making of blue vein mould, and fondue gets a mention (“gruyère is best”). The film opens with an ad anointing “the great New Zealand 1Kg!” alongside a line-up of iconic Kiwi measurements.

Just as we discovered New Zealand’s classic wines, we’re now discovering New Zealand’s classic and gourmet cheeses.

– From the narration

Key Cast & Crew

Lynton Diggle

Director, Camera

Catherine Saunders

Presenter