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To Live in the City

Short Film (Full Length) – 1968

Made for television in the late 60s, this documentary pursues four young Māori  — Ripeka, Moana, Grace and Phillip  — as they transition from school, whānau and rural life to live in the city. The film follows them as they arrive in Wellington and attend a pre-employment course run by The Department of Māori Affairs, which offers accommodation and advice on employment options. Director Arthur Everard later became NZ's Chief Film Censor. A 1991 sequel To Live in the City 24 Years On, travelled across three countries to pick up on the lives of the four, now middle aged.

I don't like having to use the kids to help out on the farm. When they grow up, I'd rather have them leave than depend on them all the time.
– Okaihau farmer Tapua Hipere

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