Documentary Projects

Copyright RNZPA 2024. Lifting the kilt on kiwi pipe bands with a unique insight into the passion and dedication of New Zealand pipers and drummers. This Documentary/series follows four New Zealand pipe bands travelling to Scotland to compete against the best of the best at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Nine thousand pipers and drummers gather annually for this global battle of the bands, and the kiwis want to make their mark.

It was only meant to be a six week project, but it lasted for two years. The engagement and results speak for themselves, with a number of city's most difficult to reach rough sleepers now housed. Most the 'kaewa' or 'wanderers' have been living on the streets for years and struggle with multiple issues including addiction and mental health problems. Housing First- Otautahi sit up the commons project during covid so the homeless would have somewhere to gather during the lock down. The result was a shared meeting place in the central city, where those needing help could connect with those providing help, but on their on terms. The gatherings only last for a few hours each week, but that's all it takes to build trust and deepen relationships.

Christchurch Peace Train has become an important symbol of unity and hope following the March 15th terror attacks against Christchurch Muslims. In this video we go behind the scenes to look at the work of community-based groups like the Sakinah Trust and Mahia Te Aroha who are working to support victim’s families and to promote greater unity and understanding. Peace Train is one of four videos that can be viewed at https://communityofstrangers.org.nz/

Aotearoa is an immigrant nation – from the first peoples to colonial settlement, we have crossed the oceans to call this place home. Immigrant Journeys reveals the rich diversity that our most recent immigrants bring to Aotearoa New Zealand. With a broad range of different skills, cultural backgrounds, and experiences they strengthen and add immense value this country. Immigrant Journeys is an original idea of the Lady Khadija Charitable Trust whose creation has been made possible by the efforts of Telling Lives and Janneth Gil Photography. The project has been funded by the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and Rāta Foundation.

There’s been talk over recent days about the need for greater access to PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) for midwives working in the community, and rightly so. A midwife's bubble can easily extend into dozens of homes where women are no doubt anxious already about pregnancy and birth during a time of pandemic. As the frontline support for mothers and babies during an extraordinary time of both risk and reward, midwives are guardians of a new generation and deserve every protection we can provide. Often overlooked, these hardworking dedicated women can easily go unnoticed until something goes wrong; like now. Professionals with three or more years of obstetrics and nursing training, midwives are an assurance and protection for a healthy young New Zealand. Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a fews days following different midwives as they went about their daily work here in Canterbury - so forgive me if I wax lyrical. When you hear a first time mum’s uncertainty around her pregnancy and listen to her reach out for reassurance over what is normal and what’s not, you understand why midwives matter. When you see a mum with her newborn discussing changes in her baby’s weight or behaviour, her concerns over sleep or feeding; you know why midwives matter. When a woman grasps her partner's hand during labour while a strong confident voice tells her to push, rallying, supporting, reassuring; then you know why a midwife matters. When you see a newborn placed in their exhausted mother’s arms for the first time and recognise that child’s vulnerability and need; you know why a midwife matters. They talk about the first thousand days defining a child's life and clearly that starts with midwives and mums. The short video above captures a working day for Bex, a midwife in North Canterbury. It was filmed as part of a recent campaign calling for improvements to current employment terms and conditions for midwives as seen below.