The premiere of a film which captures the conception of the first living building in New Zealand will showcase next month at the New Zealand International Film Festival taking place in Auckland. 'Ever the Land' is a film directed by Sarah Grohnert and tells the story of Te Wharehou o Tūhoe.
It’s taken three years to make but the film showcases a part of New Zealand's history. Today the first living building in Taneatua is known as Te Kura Whare.
At a cost of $15 million Te Kura Whare showcases a new way of building. Winner of international awards, it’s a story that director Sarah Grohnert had to do.
Waikare Kruger of Te Uru Taumatua says that the film helped Tūhoe document a number of milestones which included negotiation between the Crown and New Zealand government.
Two other film/documentaries will also showcase at this year’s New Zealand International film festival which has links to the Tūhoe people.
Along with the film 'Ever the Land', Kim Webby's documentary, 'The Price of Peace' which is based on the Operation 8 raids in 2007 and Mike Jonathan’s 'Ow What', Short film based on the love of rugby which was filmed at Te Wharekura o Ruatoki.