Restoring the Mauri of Lake Omapere

Press Release 29/02/08

Maringi Noa O Te Manawa Trust in Association with Maori Television and Te Mangai Paho presents…

Television Premiere Maori Television, Wednesday 19 March, 8.30pm

Chosen by the Dominion Post’s Film Reviewer as one of the top 10 movies of 2007.

“A powerful and sobering film about the utter degradation of one of the jewels of the whole of Ngapuhi.” Barry Barclay, Onfilm Magazine

“This is a poignant and incredibly timely film that will reward anyone who makes the effort to see it.” Graeme Tuckett, Dominion Post

Nearly 3 years in the making, this feature length documentary addresses a serious environmental problem, and questions whether or not the Crown has a responsibility to Ngapuhi and to all New Zealanders that has not, to date, been acknowledged.

Restoring the Mauri of Lake Omapere is the story of the Hokianga region - birthplace of Aotearoa, but it could be the story of hundreds of New Zealand lakes, rivers, streams, harbours, and the people who depend on those waterways for their sense of identity, wellbeing and sustenance.

In pre-colonial times, Lake Omapere, “ the kai basket of Ngapuhi”, fed thousands of people. The documentary makers, Maori and Pakeha, of the Maringi Noa o te Manawa Trust, recorded statements from the surviving population of this devastated area, including a centuries old warning from tribal elders which was ignored by the settler government.

The soundtrack features the work of superb Maori and Polynesian musicians from the Big Belly Woman collective using a mix of traditional and contemporary instruments.

Listen to the people tell their own story, look at what is happening before our eyes, and make up your own mind about what needs to be done.

ENDS

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