Budding movie-maker returns jubilant

Giving film-maker Taiaha Campbell-Simon (front) a hero's welcome back to Wanganui are his fellow students from Upokongaro School. Te Wahu Patea (left), Jeff Dorset, Tasman Lindsay, Lamaire Meunier, Dareus Hina-Pauro, Lafo Takiari Ah Ching, Rongopai Campbell-Simon, Renata Campbell-Simon, Manaaki Baron-McRitchie. At the back are Taiaha's father, Kaha Simon, and Upokongaro School principal, Warren Brown. Photo/Stuart Munro

Young Taiaha Campbell-Simon was given a hero's welcome when he returned home to Wanganui Friday.

Taiaha, a 12-year-old budding film-maker, represented Upokongaro School at the Outlook For Someday film challenge in Auckland on December 5.

The school's film, Hunter Meets Pollution Queen, was one of 20 finalists out of 150 films submitted, and eventually walked away with the prize for best teamwork.

Upokongaro School principal, Warren Brown, said Taiaha and another student, Isaac Cave, were the main drivers behind the five-minute movie, providing the idea, the script and the music.

Mr Brown said the school was gripped by movie-making fever for a term, and much of the school's curriculum was based around movie-making to make the most of the students' enthusiasm.

"They all took it very seriously. They had to audition for parts, they had directors, a sound crew and a special effects crew."

The school made three movies, all of which made it to the top 40.

Taiaha travelled to Auckland to attend the awards with his father, Kaha.

Isaac and his family, who were already in Auckland visiting relatives, also attended the awards.

Taiaha arrived home at midday yesterday and was greeted at Wanganui Airport by a rousing haka on the tarmac from nine of his school friends, including two of his brothers.

The boys had also been involved in Hunter Meets Pollution Queen and were excited by the win.

"I'm really happy. It's good," one boy said.

Taiaha described his trip to Auckland as "awesome".

Mr Brown said he was "very, very proud" of the students and their films.

The Outlook For Someday is a partnership between many groups and organisation, including the Enviroschools Foundation and the Body Shop New Zealand.