There’s never been so much Canterbury on screen
The Spinoff Daily, Monday March 10
Ahiahi mārie, welcome to The Spinoff Daily.
Today on The Spinoff: Why power prices are rising – and what power companies could do to help. Plus: Inside the biggest night in NZ slam poetry, and a diary of a writers’ festival.
“If you’ve been keeping up with New Zealand film and television, you might have noticed that there’s been a familiar character popping up time and time again recently. Whether lurking in the shadows of Dark City: The Cleaner, the bristling gold grasses of We Were Dangerous, or the stony, snobby school in Tinā, the Canterbury region has become a recurring backdrop in some of the biggest local productions of the last few years.
Start looking for it and you’ll see it everywhere. It’s there in the towering mountains and lush green forests of Bookworm, the 1970s era bustling New Regent street in Head South, and the jagged Kaikōura coastline of Friends Like Her. This year doesn’t look to be slowing down either, with Canterbury working hard in the background of Joy Cowley adaptation Holy Days, and upcoming documentaries Marlon Williams: Ngā ao e Rua: Two Worlds and project fiftyone.
What has led to this recent boom in onscreen storytelling from the south? Could this all this movie and TV magic be the work of the Christchurch Wizard, or is there a less mystical answer to be found? I infiltrated the local industry to find out who and what is behind Canterbury’s rapidly-growing sizzle reel.”
Why power prices are rising – and what power companies could do to help
Windbag: What Wellington needs to become a world-class city
It’s toilet paper or me: Teacher aides are doing it tough
The Spinoff Essay: Diary of a writers’ festival
Join us at The Spinoff Book Club
The best way to enjoy a book is by yourself, the second best way is with a theatre full of people. Books editor Claire Mabey will lead a conversation with avid writers and readers Duncan Sarkies, Carl Shuker, Courtney Johnston and more. Join us to hear about their favourites, their recommendations, and what to look out for in the year to come.
‘Are you hungry? Are you starved?’: Inside the biggest night in NZ slam poetry
Secrets at Red Rocks review: a delightful dive into nostalgic waters
A Mixtape for Maladies review: Dancing, love, and the Sri Lankan civil war
New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
