A Channel North team has made a documentary about a local kiwi creche and repopulation scheme, and taken the station's film-making to a whole new level.
Manager Juanita Cleaver said she believes the newly completed Saving the Kiwi is the highest quality documentary to come out of Channel North. The station hopes it will be screened nationwide on its satellite link partner, the Stratos network.
But first, Saving the Kiwi will air to local audiences three times over the next few days. The screenings will give viewers the chance to learn more about the successful Limestone Matakohe Island kiwi project as well as showcase the documentary makers' talent, Ms Cleaver said.
The doco-making was also a good example of co-operation, targeted sponsorship, shared benefits and positive community outcomes. The documentary was made with financial help from Environment Northland.
"Keith Thompson (Environment Northland boss) was just great," Ms Cleaver said. "He came on board because dog control is a big part of his job and dogs are also a huge threat to kiwi. He was passionate about the kiwi cause and keen to back the documentary financially to get the education message out there."
In exchange, Environment Northland also got an educational DVD about dog control and behaviour called Basic Instincts.
Cute as kiwi are, and as family-oriented the message about saving this iconic bird is, the doco contains some hard-hitting footage. While avoiding being gory, scenes of kiwi killed by cars or pet pooches drive home the awareness message.
But viewers also get an admirable view of Whangarei - its scenery, resources, and the organisations and individuals working to protect the habitat and wildlife, Ms Cleaver said.
The camera work was by the station's production manager, Gines Pastor, and post-production work by Luke Mott.
"They have both done an amazing job. Luke has taken Gines' wonderful footage and turned it into a brilliant documentary," Ms Cleaver said.
The concept came from Gerry Brackenbury, who is also the presenter, scriptwriter and brought together various other parties such as Department of Conservation, Golden Bay Cement and the Kiwi House at Whangarei Museum.
Mr Brackenbury has worked with DoC, been on the Limestone Matakohe Island Trust, worked in eco-tourism, been a media commentator and has written about environmental issues. "We felt very privileged to work with Gerry and all the organisations that came together for this documentary," Ms Cleaver said.
"It was a great package for everyone and having that sponsorship enabled us to make a quality product. We will seek financial backing from a company or organisation and work in this way again on an appropriate local topic."
Saving the Kiwi screens on Channel North tonight at 7.45pm and on Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm.
Co-operation key to kiwi documentary
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