Documentaries Get the Nod

21 June 2007

Media Release

Documentaries Get the Nod

New Zealand television viewers can look forward to a rare insight into the life of one of New Zealand’s favourite sons, and also to the return of a series that will help New Zealanders understand more about their environment, thanks to funding from NZ On Air.

"It’s unlikely that there is any New Zealander more famous than Sir Edmund Hillary," said NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jane Wrightson, “and we will be given the chance to find out about his life in his own words in the one-hour documentary Honouring Hillary.

"This documentary will mix contemporary interviews with archival footage to give a graphic account of the travels and achievements of Sir Ed. It is a truly archetypal New Zealand story.

“Honouring Hillary will also show the impact Hillary has made on those he has met and touched as part of his life of adventure, including the people of Nepal, who continue to have a warm affection for this modest Kiwi,” she said.

"For those of us who grew up hearing of Sir Edmund’s exploits, it will be a programme evoking pride and memories. For younger New Zealanders it will provide an excellent window on the triumphs of a remarkable man.”

The NZ On Air June funding meeting also gave the nod for a second series of the environmental documentary WA$TED!. This series takes a close look at the environmental impacts of the everyday things that everyday New Zealanders do everyday.

"The first series of WA$TED!, which attracted a good audience, took us into average New Zealand households to show how we live, what we buy, what we throw away and so on to demonstrate how just going about our day-to-day activities can damage our environment,” said Ms Wrightson. “This time around the net is cast wider to examine an even more diverse range of households.

“Some of the things we learn from the series are quite frightening, and give us a timely wake up call on the way we need to change our habits to ensure the environment is protected. It’s an important lesson.”

Funding details:

Honouring Hillary $218,284
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Tom Scott
TVNZ

WA$TED! 2 $469,463
10 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV3
Producer: Carthew Neal
Fumes Ltd

ENDS

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