Document of green living

Emma Heke and her son Connor travelled the country visiting Kiwi families living 'green'. Photo / Supplied

An independent film about an ex-Whangarei teacher and her son has gained momentum across the country.

Our Green Roadie is a documentary made by former Whangarei Girls' High School photography teacher Emma Heke and her 7-year-old son Connor.

The pair travelled the country in a van on a tight budget and visited 70 families and businesses living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

What resulted was a feature-length documentary sharing stories from Whangarei to Riverton of ordinary Kiwis with a passion for the environment and green enterprise.

Janine Matchitt of Viola Organics in Whangarei, Rhys Wirihana and Cory Matchitt of Alpha Dog Organics plus Sarah and Mick of Tanelorn just out of Whangarei all made the final cut.

Ms Heke and Connor spent six months on the road in 2011 filming for the documentary.

"We aim to dispel myths about green living and business, revive our entrepreneurial Kiwi "can-do" attitudes and create a heartening documentary that encourages us all to live our dreams for a better future," said Ms Heke.

"It's the kind of film where everybody can find somebody they can relate to and be inspired by."

As they travelled they updated a growing audience of "Likes" on Facebook and it's through this social media that the film is gaining momentum.

Communities all around New Zealand are requesting that the film comes to their town.

Screenings have been held across the country, and tonight is Whangarei's turn to check out the documentary.

The Old Stone Butter Factory is holding a screening at 7pm tonight, with a $5 donation on entry.