Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand on ABC and ABC iview S1E2 – Having uncovered the roots of a unique New Zealand culture, Miriam Margolyes digs deeper beneath the country’s idyllic surface on a mission to better understand the country and its people.
Miriam is back in Wellington, the nation’s capital, for a meeting with the producers of her upcoming film. After reading about the country’s gang problem, the intrepid and ever-curious Miriam tackles the issue head-on, meeting a member of the notorious Mongrel Mob.
Her adventure then takes her across to the South Island, through a rugged and remote landscape of sharply etched mountains and water. Here, Miriam uncovers stories of great strength, tragedy and spirit while visiting Blackball, the historic birthplace of New Zealand’s union movement, where a recent mining disaster has brought intrepid survivors together to drive change.
Weaving her way through some of the country’s highest mountain passes, Miriam also meets local celebrities, from New Zealand’s pavlova queen to protesting farmers.
Her journey of research and discovery ends in Christchurch, the biggest city of the South Island, which has also seen its fair share of hardship and triumph.
Here, Miriam visits the local mosque, which became the focus of international media headlines in March 2019, when a lone Australian gunman went on a shooting rampage. She hears stories of incredible bravery and community solidarity, which provide a final insight into the resilience and spirt of New Zealanders today.
Production credit:
A Southern Pictures production for the ABC, in association with the BBC and Screen NSW. Executive Producer and Series Director: Ariel White. Story and Field Producer: Mary Durham. ABC Commissioning Editor: Julia Hanna. ABC Head of Documentaries and Specialist: Susie Jones.
Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand on ABC and ABC iview – Sunday 19 January at 7.30pm
TV Central ABC content HERE
Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand on ABC and ABC iview S1E2
