Belgian DJ and honorary Kiwi, Netsky, has just released the official music video for his track Mixed Emotions with kiwi producer Montell2099 ahead of the release of his album Second Nature due out on 30th October.
After playing shows in NZ for the last 10 years and becoming a household name across the summer festival circuit, it is only fitting the debut single from this album be a love letter to New Zealand. Directed by Connor Pritchard and featuring incredible scenery and landscapes across locations including Katikati, Queenstown, The Coromandel and Auckland and featuring Nga Te Rangi and Te Rereatukahia Marae, this video is a true celebration of Aoteroa and Netsky’s love for the land and people.
Netsky says:
A love letter to Aotearoa...
I’ve considered New Zealand as a second home for a long time now. I’m eternally grateful for the memories this country and its people have given me. It felt natural to express my love for the country showcasing its natural beauty and the people who inspired Montell and I to write this song.
Huge thanks to Nana Mabel and all at Te Rereatukahia marae for your help and creative input, and all of the wonderful kiwi’s who featured in the video.
Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou 💚
Mixed Emotions is the first track from the album Second Nature which also features collaborations from Sub Focus, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Hybrid Minds, and Urbandawn to name a few. ‘Second Nature’ is teed up to be a remarkable and seminal release for drum & bass lovers around the world.
TRAILER UNVEILED FOR POWERFUL KIWI DRAMA ‘SAVAGE’ AHEAD OF 27 AUGUST RELEASE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER
The trailer for new local feature film Savage has been released today ahead of its nationwide general release on 27th August. The film stars Australian actor Jake Ryan (Home and Away, Wolf Creek, Underbelly) alongside local faces John Tui (The Legend of Baron To’a, Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Chelsie Preston Crayford (The Luminaries, The Bad Seed, The Inland Road).
Inspired by stories from New Zealand’s boys’ homes and the early history of our gangs, Savage follows Danny across three decades of his life, taking a deeper look at a boy who grows into the brutal enforcer of a gang, to understand how he got there.
In development for eight years, Savage was written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Sam Kelly (Lambs). Kelly comments on the film: “Savage shines a light on the reality that gangs form not in isolation from society, but as a direct result of it. There were many dominos that created our gang culture in the 60s, and Savage lets us walk in the shoes of one individual to help us understand the forces that continue to push and pull young men into this world.”
Producer Vicky Pope adds: “More than ever, New Zealand’s artists and storytellers have a role to play in our culture; helping create empathy, community and connection with each other. This film is very timely with its connection to the current Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Savage reflects a part of our social history that many people may not be aware of, and a group of men whose experiences they may not understand.”
Lead actor Jake Ryan comments: "Filming Savage was a confronting and amazing experience that will stay with me forever. We all went very deep for the film, pouring our hearts and souls into it, and respecting the people and story we were telling. I feel honoured to be a part of this incredible film. I hope it triggers conversations and brings the importance of love, acceptance, belonging and connection to people in these unsettling times.”
Shot in the Wellington region, Savage features an ensemble cast of both professional and first-time actors from around Aotearoa, including first-time actor James Matamua (teenager Danny) who was discovered at a local boxing ring in Heretaunga, Wellington. The casting process spanned eight months, with more than 7,000 online submissions following a casting call on Facebook.
Selected to premiere at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, Hollywood Reporter noted Savage’s “fresh perspective” and credited the film as “Shifting back and forth among three watershed moments in the protagonist’s life…Kelly draws an emotional roadmap detailing one man’s life and how he got from A to B.”
NEW DATES CONFIRMED FOR BLUE PLANET II LIVE IN CONCERT
BBC Studios, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Auckland Live are pleased to confirm new dates for Blue Planet II Live in Concert, with two special evenings set for Auckland on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 April 2021, at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre.
Blue Planet II Live In Concert was previously scheduled for July 2020, but the event was postponed due to Covid-19.
Following the incredible success of the BAFTA-award winning BBC Studios natural history series Blue Planet II, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will bring the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and its colourful inhabitants to the stage, in a screening incorporating live music and narration by a special guest who is yet to be announced.
Blue Planet II Live In Concert will present a selection of stunning visuals from the television series, highlighting the incredible natural wonders of our blue planet in detail, projected on a big screen. Accompanied by the original immersive music score by renowned musicians Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming which will be performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO).
BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand acting head of live entertainment, Louise Hill, says “We’re thrilled to reconfirm dates for Kiwi audiences to enjoy the magic of Blue Planet II Live in Concert. Following the tremendous success of Planet Earth II Live in Concert, we’re certain New Zealand audiences will be blown away by the show’s awe-inspiring footage and spectacular music score performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.”
Blue Planet II Live in Concert is a live adaptation of a television story following the incredible success of the award-winning television series Blue Planet II. During the four years filming for Blue Planet II, the teams embarked on 125 expeditions, travelled to 39 countries, including New Zealand, and filmed across every continent and ocean. They spent 6,000 hours deep-sea diving, 1,000 hours in submersibles, filming everywhere from our familiar shores to the deepest seas. Logistically, some of these expeditions could be compared to a trip into space – such was the effort. In the process, the camera teams encountered creatures that appeared so strange that they really did seem to come from a different planet.
A fantastical journey from icy polar seas to pulsating coral reefs, from the luminous deep sea to enormous kelp forests: immerse yourself in Blue Planet II Live in Concert, an epic experience that you will never forget.
Blue Planet II Live in Concert
7.30 pm, Friday 9 April and Saturday 10 April 2021
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
aucklandlive.co.nz/show/blue-planet-ii
Blue Planet II is a BBC Studios Natural History Unit Production.
MULTI AWARD-WINNING SINGER SONGWRITER DELTA GOODREM UNVEILS BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR FOR APRIL 2021
TEG Live proudly presents superstar singer songwriter Delta Goodrem on her BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR in April 2021, marking Delta’s first ever headline tour of New Zealand.
Pre-sale tickets will be available via The Breeze ( Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch ) from 10am (local) Wednesday 15 July 2020, before the general public on sale at 10am (local) Monday 20 July 2020 from Ticketek and Ticketmaster.
The BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR of New Zealand will commence on 22 April 2021 at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre, moving to Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on 23 April, followed by Christchurch Town Hall on 24 April.
Delta said today, “There’s nothing like being on tour and being with people face to face and to share in the magic of live music. Nothing gets me more excited than creating a world for everyone to come to. Visually, I love to make sure a tour represents the energy of what this new album embodies. There are going to be incredible musical moments in bringing to life the surprise elements of this new album and all of the favorites from my previous records. Anyone who has been to my shows knows that I like to have a lot of fun and this record and tour is no different. I know many people are going through challenging times right now; come next year I want to invigorate and empower everybody in the room to have the best night of their lives and we’ll sing and dance through it all.”
For the past 17 years Delta Goodrem has provided a soundtrack to the lives of a generation of music fans in Australia, the UK and around the world. She has achieved 17 top 10 hits, four #1 albums, and sold over 9 million records worldwide.
She has 4 x ARIA #1 albums, 16 x ARIA Awards, 3 x World Music Awards, a Silver Logie Award and an MTV Music Video Award, and is a return Coach on The Voice Australia, having coached the winner twice (2016 & 2017).
Delta has been busier than ever, recently undertaking highly acclaimed performances for global event ‘One World: Together At Home’ and ‘Music From The Home Front,' where she shone as one of four hosts and delivered a show-stopping duet performance of the Men At Work classic “Down Under” with Colin Hay.
Keen to connect with her fans from all over the world, Delta also launched The Bunkerdown Sessions via her social media platforms, performing live deep cuts from her extensive catalogue and some new pieces she had been working on, including recent single, Keep Climbing.
She also launched Delta Goodrem Foundation, in partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, to help fund medical research into blood cancers and auto-immune disease and $1+ GST from every ticket purchased to the BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR will be donated to the Foundation – visit https://deltagoodremfoundation.org/
DELTA GOODREM
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS
NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES 2021
Thursday 22 April 2021 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
Friday 23 April 2021 Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
Saturday 24 April 2021 Town Hall, Christchurch
DELTA GOODREM FAN CLUB PRE-SALE
10.45pm Sunday 12 July – 9.59am Wednesday 15 July 2020 (local)
THE BREEZE PRE-SALE
10.00am Wednesday 15 July – 9.59am Friday 17 July 2020 (local)
GENERAL PUBLIC ONSALE
10.00AM MONDAY 20 JULY (local time)
www.ticketek.co.nz (Christchurch tour date)
www.ticketmaster.co.nz (Auckland tour date)
www.ticketmaster.co.nz (Wellington tour date)
All tickets are available from Ticketek and Ticketmaster
RNZ’S NEW WEB SERIES ‘NZ HIP HOP STAND UP’ CELEBRATES ICONIC AOTEAROA MUSIC
View the trailer here
RNZ have today announced a brand new web series titled NZ Hip Hop Stand Up. The seven-part series is an exploration of some of the greatest songs released over the 30-year history of hip hop music in Aotearoa. Launching on Thursday 23rd July, all episodes will be available to view on RNZ’s website.
Featuring 30 artists from the 30-year history of Aotearoa hip hop, each episode of NZ Hip Hop Stand Up will showcase a significant song, with artists of all generations discussing its importance and relevance to New Zealand and NZ hip hop.
Starting in 1988 with ‘E Tū’ by Upper Hutt Posse and ending in 2019 with ‘Ready or Not’ by teen sensations Church & AP, the series talks to all of the major players involved in some of the most influential and loved tracks this country has ever produced.
Director Chris Graham, who made some of NZ’s most well-known and award-winning music videos for artists including Scribe, King Kapisi, Dei Hamo, Smashproof and Savage, commented on the series: “We set out to do justice to the creative breadth of New Zealand’s hip hop culture, but one of the most surprising and humbling parts of the experience was capturing the authentic stories that each artist shared about how these songs were conceived and made, these musical taonga that have touched our hearts, and shaped the unique sound that is specifically hip hop from Aotearoa.”
RNZ Music Content Director, Willy Macalister added: “We’re excited to bring this dynamic series to New Zealand audiences. I’m sure local audiences are going to really enjoy reflecting on the iconic songs featured that have shaped Aotearoa’s hip hop music history.”
NZ Hip Hop Stand Up is produced by The Down Low Concept, whose credits include 7 Days and Rū Ana Te Whenua: Alien Weaponry Shake Europe. Featured artists include King Kapisi, Sheelahroc, Sisters Underground, Scribe, Smashproof and Church & AP. Three of the biggest names in Aotearoa hip hop; Ladi 6, Scribe and King Kapisi, acted as consultants on the series.
KIWI KIDS SHOW KIRI AND LOU A UK SMASH HIT!
The delightful and award winning Kiwi kids show Kiri and Lou has just clocked over a whopping 2 million streams on BBC’s streaming platform BBC iPlayer and reached the coveted number one spot for their kids content.
Written and directed by Harry Sinclair with music by Don McGlashan (formerly The Front Lawn) and voiced by comedy greats, Jemaine Clement, Olivia Tennet, Rima Te Wiata, Jaquie Brown, Josh Thomson and Mark Wright, the good news continues with a second series of Kiri and Lou screening on TVNZ 2 from tomorrow, 24 June, at 6.55am, with new episodes also available on TVNZ On Demand.
Made for pre-school children but enjoyed by all the family, the series centres around music, the environment, nature, feelings and friendship, and explores values such as kindness, thoughtfulness and empathy. Each episode follows the charming, prehistoric friends, Kiri and Lou, in a fun adventure story with an emotional theme.
Success in New Zealand and overseas has brought funding for a third series of episodes, and a Kiri and Lou movie is in development.
In addition, the debut album, Kiri and Lou Singalongsongs, will launch for digital download and streaming Monday 29 June. Composed and produced by beloved New Zealand musical duo The Front Lawn, aka Sinclair and McGlashan, the album features songs from Series 1, delighting fans with perennial favourites such as ‘Yum Yum Baronies’ and ‘Look Before You Poo’.
“I feel really excited about this album as it’s the Front Lawn working together again, but on something so completely different,” says Sinclair. “Don and I are having more fun than ever."
The show has attracted international interest for consumer products. Merchantwise (Australia/NZ) and Rocket Licensing (UK) will manage licensing rights in a wide range of categories, including toys and games, stationery, publishing, homewares and apparel, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious product and partnerships, in keeping with the brand’s core values and messaging.
“The heart of the show remains very much in New Zealand but the international accolades have been welcome,” says producer Fiona Copland. “It’s a celebration of ‘New Zealandness’ in many ways, so it’s a thrill that people in other countries seem to get it. We are proud to be taking Kiwi values around the world.”
Most recently Kiri and Lou was a finalist for the prestigious Prix Jeunesse in Europe and won a Cynopsis Best of the Best Award in New York.
The show is currently broadcast in the UK, Australia, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the Middle East, Africa, as well as with commissioning broadcasters TVNZ in New Zealand and CBC in Canada. Episodes have screened in cinemas in France, Germany, USA, Russia, China, Poland and South America.
Watch episodes of Kiri and Lou here
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THE SEARCH BEGINS FOR THIS YEAR’S ATTITUDE AWARD FINALISTS
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF NEW ZEALAND’S DISABILITY COMMUNITY
Pictured: The 2019 Attitude ACC Supreme Award winner Cory Newman
The Attitude Awards are once again looking for Aotearoa’s unsung heroes leading the way in the disability community.
Celebrating the excellence and achievements of New Zealanders living with disabilities, recognising athletes, employers, employees, young people and others who are game changers in their communities, Attitude Award nominations are open from now until Sunday 26th July.
Last year’s Attitude ACC Supreme Award and Youth Spirit winner was teenager Cory Newman who was recognised for his standout achievements in the music industry. 17-year-old Cory and his punk rock band Sit Down in Front erupted onto the local and international music scene in 2019 when music legend Jimmy Barnes invited them to be the opening act for the New Zealand leg of his recent international tour. The band performed at Rhythm and Vines earlier this year and are set to release their debut album Confessions of a Pie Thief on June 26th. Cory was born premature and has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and ADHD, and accepted the Attitude ACC Supreme Award in front of a sold-out crowd of friends, family and members of the disability sector.
Now in its 13th year, the Attitude Awards will present nine categories including Attitude ACC Employer, Spirit of Attitude, Sporting Endeavour and Youth Courage Award. The awards will take place on Wednesday, 2nd December with a black-tie gala dinner at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
Attitude’s CEO Dan Buckingham, a Paralympic gold medallist who uses a wheelchair after sustaining a spinal cord injury aged 18, said the annual awards are not only a unique celebration of success, but also an opportunity to shine a light on the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life in New Zealand.
“The Attitude Awards truly are one of a kind, celebrating the incredible successes and stories of Kiwis living with disabilities. We’d love for New Zealanders to put forward individuals and organisations in their communities who they think are deserving of recognition,” comments Dan Buckingham.
2019 winners also included Tim Fairhall, winner of the Leadership Award for his work changing the legislation around Kiwisaver, travel junkie Jezza Williams who won the Entrepreneur Award and social enterprise The Cookie Project, who took home the Attitude ACC Employer Award.
For the 13th year running, ACC returns as principal sponsor. About the awards, ACC Chief Executive Scott Pickering says: “The Attitude Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and reflect on the huge contribution Kiwis with disabilities make to our society. Many of those nominated each year are, or have been, ACC clients. We are proud to have played a role in their recovery, and through our sponsorship of the awards we are proud to celebrate them and the other remarkable people nominated. The event is a fantastic way to promote a more inclusive and accessible Aotearoa. I encourage you to support the Awards and to nominate a friend, family member, colleague, or employer who deserves to be recognised for their achievements.”
Other sponsors and supporters for the awards include APM Workcare, Barfoot & Thompson, Drake International and New Zealand Lotteries Commission.
The Attitude Awards will be aired as an hour-long television special on TVNZ1 on Sunday, 13th December, with thanks to NZ on Air. The special will feature entertainment, winners and highlights from the evening.
For nomination information and entry forms, visit http://attitudeawards.org. Nominations close on Sunday 26th July and finalists will be announced in early September. Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala for over 500 people including figures from the disability sector on Wednesday 2nd December, at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
The nine categories for this year’s awards are: Attitude ACC Employer Award, Spirit of Attitude Award, Sporting Endeavour Award, Special Olympics Award, Youth Courage Award, Impact Award, Employee and Entrepreneur Award, Support Superstar Award and Community Champion Award.
JEMAINE CLEMENT, TAIKA WAITITI, CORI GONZALEZ-MACUER AND LOUIS MENDIOLA BEHIND NEW COMEDY SERIES ASS
A brand-new comedy series, reuniting three of the stars from What We Do In The Shadows, has been optioned by local production house Augusto. From co-creators Cori Gonzalez-Macuer and Louis Mendiola, the series will be directed by comedy genius Jemaine Clement and executive produced by Oscar-winning Taika Waititi.
Ass centres on a depressed (and broke) puppeteer who reluctantly accepts to work with his ex-fiancée and former puppeteer-partner on a top-secret gig in which they must fill-in for a famous donkey actor on the wildly popular American TV political comedy, Hey Donkey!, after the superstar animal goes mysteriously missing.
Cori Gonzalez-Macuer commented: “I've worked on a few things over the years, but this project feels like it's actually going somewhere. It's an awesome combination of working with Louis, a production company that is actually investing in us and now with Taika and Jemaine involved, it’d be pretty weird if we f****ed it up.”
The pilot script for Ass was recently highlighted by Hollywood website The Black List following extraordinary ratings from film industry executives. The project has received much international attention, with Auckland and New York-based production company Augusto winning the option rights to develop and produce the project. The series will be produced by Daniel Story and Cass Avery.
Daniel Story, Executive Producer at Augusto commented: "We're excited to be working with such an amazingly talented team to bring Ass to life. The pilot script is inventive and hilarious - we look forward to progressing it into production and distribution as soon as possible."
Louis Mendiola, co-creator for Ass added: "This has been such an incredible ride for Cori and me. From being shortlisted for the Sundance Episodic Lab, to being endorsed by The Black List, and then getting to develop the series with this dream team, it's just been bonkers, in all the best ways."
Discussions are underway with US showrunners and VODS regarding Ass’ distribution, with production plans for next year.
Cori Gonzalez-Macure and Louis Mendiola are managed by Silver Lining Entertainment. Jemaine Clement is represented by UTA. Taika Waititi is represented by CAA.
LOCAL TV HOST CREATES GLOBAL FOOD THAT DOESN’T COST THE WORLD IN NEW YOUTUBE COOKING SERIES ‘THE HUMBLE YUM YUM’
Over the recent lockdown period, Ganesh Raj knew that people were struggling to not only come up with home-cooked meals every day, but that these dishes had to satisfy the wallet. “Right now we all need to shop within our means and serve what keeps the family happy. Comfort food is key during these stressful times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a few tweaks to have some variety.”
Having lived and travelled all over the world, and especially in Asia, Ganesh knew that people from the most humble parts of the world can put together incredibly delicious and flavoursome food for very little cost. “I approached the recipes for The Humble Yum Yum in much the same way, by using cheaper ingredients that packed a flavour punch, and being conscious of not hurting the family budget.”
Connecting with food lovers and cuisines from all over the world means that The Humble Yum Yum can combine flavours, styles and one other key factor. “It’s about breaking the rules that can happen around food,” says Ganesh. “I want people to cook food that tastes good without worrying about what they ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ do. I use breakfast cereals for crumbing chicken, and encourage using frozen veggies, canned food, and cheaper cuts of meat to keep your budget intact. Plus, everything I create can be made with one pot or pan, using basic pantry staples.”
The Humble Yum Yum series will be hosted on its own YouTube and Facebook channels, with the official social media hashtag #TheHumbleYumYum. Two new videos will be released each week.
With a focus on curiosity and fun around ingredients and recipes that can feed four people for up to $20, The Humble Yum Yum is all about global food that doesn’t cost the world.
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THE HUMBLE YUM YUM - ABOUT THE HOST
Ganesh Raj is currently known on local Kiwi TV screens as co-host of TV One’s Eat Well For Less. He is also the owner of Top 50 restaurant, The Tasting Shed, in west Auckland’s wine country area of Kumeu, and was named Metro’s Restaurant Personality of the Year for several years running. Ganesh is an experienced television presenter back in his home country of Singapore, hosting his own shows on ESPN Asia and MTV Asia, and he is a passionate foodie and advocate for promoting delicious and budget-conscious dishes for families.
NZ MUSIC T-SHIRT DAY SET TO ROUND OUT NZ MUSIC MONTH
NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a nationwide celebration of the music of Aotearoa and the power music has to make a positive difference in our lives. Raising funds for MusicHelpsLive, an appeal launched by the MusicHelps charity to directly help those working in the New Zealand music industry, Kiwis are encouraged to don their favourite Kiwi band or artist T-Shirt and make a donation on Friday 29th May.
Launched in 2019 around the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, the first event went on to raise $30,000. This year’s NZ Music T-shirt Day has moved to NZ Music Month to raise much needed funds to provide emergency financial and wellbeing support to those working in the live event and music space. An industry whose ability to earn a living has been severely impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
“The impact that Covid-19 has had and is having on the local music industry and those who rely on it for their livelihood is massive,” says MusicHelps Board Chair Campbell Smith. “NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a great way for kiwis to show support for the industry, the artists and the workers, as well as raise some much-needed funds to support our colleagues in this difficult time.”
Kiwis are encouraged to dig out their favourite piece of merchandise or band T-Shirt and encourage friends, whanau and workmates to do the same. Take a fabulous photo (or 3!) and upload to your favourite social media using the #nzmusictshirtday hashtag. It's then really easy to donate via your mobile phone by texting "MUSIC" to 2448 to contribute $3 to the MusicHelpsLive appeal. Alternatively, you can click the donation links at nzmusictshirtday.org.nz to donate to the appeal (at any amount) via Give A Little and PayPal.
For a full list of Kiwi bands and artists who are currently selling merchandise online, please click HERE:
ABOUT MUSICHELPS:
MusicHelps uses the power of music to help & heal New Zealanders in need. The charity develops & supports a wide range of programmes that use music to help people who are at risk, vulnerable and experiencing health issues. The charity has made projects impacting over 60,000 people possible at youth organisations, hospices, schools, medical charities, rehabilitation centres and more all-over New Zealand. MusicHelps also provides caring, confidential & practical support to kiwi music people experiencing illness, distress & hardship. It provides vital support including medical treatment, counselling and hardship assistance to kiwi music people and their families in times of crisis.
RNZ TO LAUNCH DYNAMIC WEB SERIES AND PODCAST THE CITIZEN’S HANDBOOK FEATURING A RANGE OF TOP KIWI COMEDIANS
From the creators of the popular satire White Man Behind a Desk, Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett
RNZ have today announced a brand-new web series and podcast titled The Citizen’s Handbook. The ten-part comedy and civics class from the creators of popular satire White Man Behind a Desk will launch on Thursday 16th April. All episodes will be available to view and listen to on RNZ’s website.
Co-created by the award-winning duo Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett, The Citizen’s Handbook tackles the important issues of New Zealand history and today, teaching Kiwis how to be a good citizen. The innovative web series and podcast covers five topics in a fun and accessible way: history, politics, law, economics and international relations.
A host of well-known comedians and actors feature in each episode of The Citizen’s Handbook, including Tom Sainsbury, Eli Matthewson, Kura Forrester, Jamaine Ross, Brynley Stent, Shavaughn Ruakere and more.
The Citizen’s Handbook podcast sees Robbie Nicol competing against a comedian in explaining New Zealand civics, told in fact and fiction.
Co-creator and host Robbie Nicol commented: “We want to tell people how New Zealand came to be and how it works, so they know that if the current system isn't working for them - they can change it. We talked to a bunch of smart people to make sure we got our facts right, and brought in New Zealand’s best comedians to make it the funniest it could be. We’re really proud of it, and hopefully it’s the combination of light entertainment and community spirit that we’re looking for in this weird time.”
Finnius Teppett, co-creator, added: “Researching and writing this series made us angry, frustrated, sad, hopeful, bewildered, and grateful. But mostly just really, really bewildered. So many urgently important stories leapt out at us, and so many unbelievable jokes just wrote themselves. We cover a lot of ground in the series, and we get to be quite naughty and silly, but hopefully it’s enough to get our audience to start looking at our country in a new, more critical way.”
RNZ Head of Commissioning, Kay Ellmers commented: “We’re committed to keeping Aotearoa informed, connected and entertained during these uncertain times. The Citizen’s Handbook empowers audiences with the knowledge of how our country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.”
Produced by Kevin & Co, The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, the series demonstrates that New Zealanders actions can have a powerful impact on the future.
In addition to the web series and podcast, a virtual event for The Citizen’s Handbook is planned for Thursday 16th April. A kaupapa will be led by co-creators Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppet to connect audiences from the comfort of their own homes. More information to follow soon.
AWARD-WINNING PLAY AND BBC SERIES FLEABAG IS COMING TO CINEMAS THIS WEEK
The award-winning theatre show that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag will have its big screen kiwi debut this weekend as The National Theatre Live’s Fleabag opens in cinemas nationwide. The 67-minute, one-woman play written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones will give audiences a rip-roaring look at a sort of woman living her sort of life.
First debuting at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013, Waller-Bridge’s one-woman show has taken the world by storm, going on to play sold-out seasons in London and New York. Now, Kiwis who missed out on the original stage play will have the opportunity to see it on the big screen.
The cultural phenomenon of Fleabag saw the play adapted into a BBC TV series of the same name, following the original plot line of an unnamed woman whose life is spiralling out of control after the accidental death of her best friend, all while butting heads with family and keeping her guinea pig themed café afloat. The show’s format sees the forth-wall often broken, with Waller-Bridge addressing the viewers with witty one-liners and offhand comments. The show ultimately earned her two 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards for Lead Actress and Writing and two 2020 Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and Best Musical or Comedy TV Series.
From March 5th, Fleabag fans can catch the broadcast at selected cinemas nationwide. For all further details and session details, visit Flicks.
TRAILER DROPPED FOR ACTION-COMEDY GUNS AKIMBO STARRING DANIEL RADCLIFFE AND SAMARA WEAVING
Click here to view
The trailer for Guns Akimbo has dropped today, starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not). The action-comedy feature film, written and directed by New Zealand filmmaker Jason Lei Howden (Deathgasm) received its world premiere at Toronto Film Festival and will be released nationwide on March 5th, 2020.
Largely filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, Guns Akimbo’s international cast also includes Kiwi actor and comedian Rhys Darby (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Irish actor Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders) and Australian actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny).
The hilariously dark and viciously violent film follows Miles Harris (Daniel Radcliffe), a nerdy video game developer whose world is turned upside-down when he's enrolled in a dark social media movement that forces strangers to fight in a citywide game of death.
Speaking to Variety last year, Daniel Radcliffe said he was drawn to the film’s exciting and fun script, particularly the bizarre concept of having guns for hands: “It’s not just a device for crazy fight scenes… It’s also a device for a lot of physical comedy that I really enjoyed. ‘How do you dress yourself, how do you pick up your phone, how do you go through life.’”
Guns Akimbo is produced by New Zealander Tom Hern (The Dark Horse), Joe Neurauter (The Hallow) and Felipe Marino (The Wackness). The film is distributed in New Zealand by Madman and was made with investment from The New Zealand Film Commission.
OFFICIAL TRAILER DROPPED FOR ACTION-COMEDY ‘THE LEGEND OF BARON TO’A’ AHEAD OF NATIONWIDE RELEASE
Click here to view
The official trailer for Aotearoa’s brand-new action-comedy The Legend of Baron To’a has today been released ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on 20th February 2020.
The film features an all-star Pacific and Māori cast, including Uli Latukefu (Alien: Covenant), Nathaniel Lees (The Matrix Reloaded), Jay Laga’aia (Star Wars), John Tui (Hobbs & Shaw), Shortland Street alumni Shavaughn Ruakere and Fasitua Amosa (Fresh Eggs), Xavier Horan (Westside) and upcoming stars Duane Evans Jr (Avatar sequels) and Lotima Pome’e (General Fyah).
The Legend of Baron To’a tells the story of a Tongan entrepreneur who returns to his old neighbourhood and inadvertently causes the theft of his late father’s valued pro wrestling title belt by some ruthless gangsters. When negotiation and diplomacy fail to get it back, he is forced to embrace his father’s legacy to reclaim the title.
Directed by Kiel McNaughton and produced by Kerry Warkia under the Brown Sugar Apple Grunt banner, husband and wife duo Warkia and McNaughton’s credits include the critically acclaimed films Waru and Vai and TV series, Auckland Daze, Darryl: An Outward Bound Story and Find Me A Māori Bride.
Funded by the New Zealand Film Commission, ‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ will be distributed by Madman Entertainment (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) in NZ and Australia and represented in North America by XYZ Films (The Dead Lands).
16-YEAR-OLD CORY NEWMAN TAKES HOME THE ATTITUDE ACC SUPREME AWARD AT THE 2019 ATTITUDE AWARDS
Charismatic punk rocker Cory Newman has been announced winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the Attitude Awards in Auckland tonight. Now in their 12th year, the black-tie gala event celebrates the achievements and successes of New Zealanders living with disabilities.
Gisborne-raised Cory (16) was born premature and has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and ADHD. Two years ago, Cory followed his dreams and formed a band with his high school friends, Sit Down In Front, of which Cory is the lead singer.
In one of the toughest industries to crack into, Cory and his band have erupted onto the local and international music scene, placing third at the national Smokefreerockquest and catching the attention of music legend Jimmy Barnes, who invited them to open for his recent national tour. In a touching moment at the Attitude Awards this evening, a video message from Jimmy was played to the audience congratulating Cory.
The high-energy band performed at tonight’s award ceremony to an audience of 650 New Zealanders, including many prominent figures from the disability sector. In addition to Cory’s success with his band, he has excelled at school, having won awards for academic excellence, and leadership roles including becoming House Captain in Year 9. Cory’s also completed school cross countries, athletics days, school swimming sports and performed in Kapa Haka groups and a Polynesian club.
Attitude Trust chairperson Dan Buckingham commented on Cory’s win: “Cory is what we aspire to - someone who lives with disability and lives the fullest of lives. He has high expectations for himself, and from those around him to be completely included in all of the activities his peers are involved with. However, he has gone above merely being involved.… he’s excelled in all of his pursuits, whether they be academic, sports, cultural, or performance and the arts.”
On accepting his award Cory said: "This was the last thing I expected, I'm completely and utterly humbled. Who thought that a guy in a wheelchair, from a tiny country town, would get to experience this. I certainly didn't!"
Principal sponsor ACC’s Chief Executive Scott Pickering said this year’s finalists’ achievements are impressive: “They are proof of the power of attitude in achieving audacious goals or helping others in your community and of the unique and powerful talents we all bring to the table,” said Mr Pickering. “Congratulations to Cory for pursuing his dreams in music and for all he has achieved with his band and in his community. His drive and determination make him a very worthy recipient of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award. Well done Cory.”
Cory’s award closed an outstanding evening where 27 individuals and organisations were recognised. The black-tie gala was co-hosted by TV news reporter Simon Dallow and comedian Tom Sainsbury and saw performances from William Waiirua (Dancing With The Stars), comedian Willy De Wit and opera singer Tim McCallum. Highlights from the 2019 Attitude Awards will be screened on Sunday 1st December on TVNZ 1 at 11:00am.