Interview with Kit Rollings, NFU Sound Recordist, Sound Mixer, Sound Designer, 1965 - 1986 Archives New Zealand 2022-12-08 | In March 1965, Kit Rollings quit his university music degree to start working at the National Film Unit as a trainee sound person. He stayed on for another 20 years. Over this time he experienced many changes in sound recording technology and worked on some of the NFU's most iconic productions including Freshwater Dive and This is New Zealand. To find out more about the NFU go to our online exhibition:archives.govt.nz/80-years-of-the-national-film-unitWatch "This Is New Zealand" here:youtube.com/watch?v=BbArpYyVcwAHave a look at our NFU Mix here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFjRz3quvmyBqzeb8GQpX3khPu8Mo6yxjChapters:00:00 Intro00:46 Choosing to quite music degree for NFU job.01:24 Training on the job.02:11 What kinds of people worked at the NFU?02:47 Changes in sound technology during career.05:00 Being creative with sound.06:58 Working on NZ's first Dolby soundtrack.09:36 On naming NFU film "Logger Rhythyms" 11:17 The importance of preserving the NFU collection.
A message from Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu (English) Archives New Zealand 2023-06-13 | Anahera Morehu (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu) has been appointed to the permanent role of Poumanaaki Chief Archivist at Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand. Find out more about the appointment our website: bit.ly/3NtWwVE
A message from Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu (te reo Māori) Archives New Zealand 2023-06-13 | Anahera Morehu (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu) has been appointed to the permanent role of Poumanaaki Chief Archivist at Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand. Find out more about the appointment our website: bit.ly/3NtWwVE
THESE NEW ZEALANDERS NO.2 - HUNTLY (1963) Archives New Zealand 2023-05-11 | THESE NEW ZEALANDERS NO.2 - HUNTLY - Selwyn Toogood visits Huntly on the Waikato River, North Island. He talks to some of the townspeople about life in this centre of coalmining and fruit-growing. Produced by New Zealand National Film Unit
Archives building construction time lapse April 2023 Archives New Zealand 2023-05-03 | Archives building construction time lapse December 2022-April 2023.Construction by LT McGuinness
Weekly Review No. 431 (1949) Archives New Zealand 2023-04-20 | EMPIRE GAMES - MAKING THE SINGLETS - Christchurch factory makes costumes and emblems for the 1950 Empire Games. ZOO - NEW ELEPHANT - Wellington Zoo's new elephant brings interested crowds, particularly children, to the naming ceremony. EROSION - RIVER DEVIATION - Changing the course of the Hutt River to save a popular bush reserve from being washed away. EGMONT - FOREST RANGERS - Rangers protect the forests of Mount Egmont [Taranaki] from the ravages of wild animals. Produced by New Zealand National Film Unit B&W 10 minutes
Wakatipu - The Long Lake (1954) Archives New Zealand 2023-03-27 | Beautiful treatment of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding district. The old-gold rush days are recalled at Arrowtown and Macetown, in contrast with the scheelite mining, harvesting, and sheep farming of to-day. A trip to Kinloch by lake steamer takes visitors to the Routeburn Valley, and fine aerial photography shows the surrounding mountains, and Coronet Peak, where skiers are racing in the winter sun.
Timelapse update of Heke Rua Archives building construction (April 2022 - Dec 2022) Archives New Zealand 2022-12-22 | See what it takes to build a new Archive. You might even see in there a large crane building another crane!
Making This Is New Zealand: A conversation with Kit Rollings Archives New Zealand 2022-12-09 | Take a trip behind the scenes with Kit Rollings as he talks about his involvement in the making of the National Film Unit's cinematic masterpiece "This is New Zealand". A sound recordist, sound mixer and sound designer for 20 years at the NFU, Kit played an integral role in the creation of one of the National Film Unit's crowning achievements. Hear about some of the challenges the NFU team encountered and the innovative solutions they created to overcome them.Find out more about This is New Zealand here:archives.govt.nz/unesco-recognition-for-new-zealand-cinematic-masterpieceWatch This Is New Zealand here:youtube.com/watch?v=BbArpYyVcwAHear Kit talking about working at the NFU:youtube.com/watch?v=NhpNDD69wGETo find out more about the NFU go to our online exhibition archives.govt.nz/80-years-of-the-national-film-unitHave a look at our NFU Mix here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFjRz3quvmyDd_9ADb0tPWpyNUrAcVNA2Chapters:00:00 Intro00:35 The NFU's involvement with Expo '70 in Osaka.01:55 Embarking on the project.02:34 Whose idea was the 3-rig camera?04:25 On Geoff Scott's selection of Hugh McDonald as director.06:24 Working on location for "This is New Zealand"08:25 Encountering technical challenges.10:22 Recording stereo sound on location.12:20 Audience reaction to the film.13:26 Working on the digital mastering of "This is New Zealand".
Pictorial Parade 15 (1953) Archives New Zealand 2022-09-15 | The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are enthusiastically welcomed to Fiji and Tonga, where they renew acquaintance with Queen Salote of Tonga, and see interesting Pacific Islands ceremonial and dancing.
War Years (1983) Archives New Zealand 2022-08-01 | This feature length film has been compiled from newsreel footage which was shown in New Zealand cinemas during the Second World War. It is not a detailed history of New Zealand's part in the Second World War, but it does give fascinating glimpses of the changes which that war forced on New Zealand society. Still photographs and the written word can describe those changes, but 'War Years' adds a dimension which personalises the issues. Whether on active service with military units, or on the home front, National Film Unit cameramen of the early 1940's captured people, their attitudes and their emotions.
Construction of Heke Rua Archives building to date Archives New Zealand 2022-07-13 | Construction is underway for first purpose-built Archives building in Aotearoa. @LTMcGuiness have driven in 17 of the 38 piles, including the sheet piles for the lift shafts. These piles are driven 12 metres below ground - that’s around the height of a 4-storey building! The new Archives Building is expected to be open to the public in 2026.
Heke Rua Archives time-lapse – it takes a crane to build a crane Archives New Zealand 2022-07-11 | New to the Heke Rua Archives building site – a huge crane! Watch the crane go up in this time-lapse
Blind Girl - Produced by Vid-Com Limited for Ministry of Transport 2 inch videotape 17 May 1983 Archives New Zealand 2022-05-03 | Blind Girl - Produced by Vid-Com Limited for Ministry of Transport 2 inch videotape 17 May 1983
Ambulance Pictorial Parade 244) (1971) Archives New Zealand 2022-03-02 | Warning: this film contains some content that may be uncomfortable to watch or offensive and is unsuitable for children and sensitive viewers.A candid report on the service provided for 300,000 people by the only completely free ambulance organisation – New Zealand's Wellington Free Ambulance. The film follows the service's daily routine, with incidents as various as the delivery of a baby, meal breaks, and major traffic accidents shot exactly as they happened. Credits:Written, directed and edited by Arthur Everard Photographed by Bruce Dunn, John Morrison Sound by John Lowe Produced by: David H. Fowler Executive Producer Geoffrey Scott (Released in New Zealand as PICTORIAL PARADE No. 244)Telecine of S16mm B&W print with optical sound (Item code: R11580416)
Te Maeatanga | Digitisation at Archives New Zealand Archives New Zealand 2022-02-28 | Digitisation is a key part of our mahi - and there's a lot more to it than just imaging! Learn how we digitise archives of all shapes, sizes and formats- our specialist workflow, skills, tools and the equipment we use for imaging.
Te Maeatanga | Digitisation at Archives New Zealand (Te Reo Māori version) Archives New Zealand 2022-02-28 | Digitisation is a key part of our mahi - and there's a lot more to it than just imaging! Learn how we digitise archives of all shapes, sizes and formats- our specialist workflow, skills, tools and the equipment we use for imaging.
Te Maeatanga | Digitisation at Archives New Zealand (w/ Te Reo Māori subtitles) Archives New Zealand 2022-02-28 | Digitisation is a key part of our mahi - and there's a lot more to it than just imaging! Learn how we digitise archives of all shapes, sizes and formats- our specialist workflow, skills, tools and the equipment we use for imaging.
Te Tai Awatea (full version) Archives New Zealand 2022-02-01 | This new Archives building will provide a state-of-the-art archives repository, including digitisation, conservation and specialist facilities for Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Special thanks to Archives New Zealand, National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for the footage and images included in this small documentary.Please visit our Tāhuhu Programme webpages to find out more: archives.govt.nz/tahuhu-home
Te Tai Awatea (short version) - English captions Archives New Zealand 2022-01-31 | This new Archives building will provide a state-of-the-art archives repository, including digitisation, conservation and specialist facilities for Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Special thanks to Archives New Zealand, National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for the footage and images included in this small documentary.Please visit our Tāhuhu Programme webpages to find out more: archives.govt.nz/tahuhu-home
Te Tai Awatea (short version) - Te Reo Māori captions Archives New Zealand 2022-01-31 | This new Archives building will provide a state-of-the-art archives repository, including digitisation, conservation and specialist facilities for Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Special thanks to Archives New Zealand, National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for the footage and images included in this small documentary.”Please visit our Tāhuhu Programme webpages to find out more: archives.govt.nz/tahuhu-home
Te Tai Awatea (short version) Archives New Zealand 2022-01-31 | This new Archives building will provide a state-of-the-art archives repository, including digitisation, conservation and specialist facilities for Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Special thanks to Archives New Zealand, National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for the footage and images included in this small documentary.Please visit our Tāhuhu Programme webpages to find out more: archives.govt.nz/tahuhu-home
Te Tai Awatea (full version) - English captions Archives New Zealand 2022-01-31 | This new Archives building will provide a state-of-the-art archives repository, including digitisation, conservation and specialist facilities for Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Special thanks to Archives New Zealand, National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for the footage and images included in this small documentary.Please visit our Tāhuhu Programme webpages to find out more: archives.govt.nz/tahuhu-home
Te Tai Awatea (full version) - Te Reo Māori captions Archives New Zealand 2022-01-31 | This new Archives building will provide a state-of-the-art archives repository, including digitisation, conservation and specialist facilities for Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Special thanks to Archives New Zealand, National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for the footage and images included in this small documentary.Please visit our Tāhuhu Programme webpages to find out more: archives.govt.nz/tahuhu-home
Weekly Review No. 297 (1947) Archives New Zealand 2022-01-12 | New Zealand's National Film Unit presents Weekly Review No. 297 (1947)HYDROELECTRICITY - KARAPIRO
From Atoms to Pixels: Digitising Large Format Archives Archives New Zealand 2021-11-03 | Te Maeatanga, our digitisation team, has spent the past six months making a survey of the Very Large items held at Te Whanganui-a-Tara. We found more than 2,000 items larger than A0. We identified the ones that need preservation work to fight damage or deterioration, and digitised more than 300. Watch to see how we digitise our biggest items, from start to finish.For further insight into this work, check out the blog by Senior Archivist Hannah Bremner: archives.govt.nz/discover-our-stories/from-atoms-to-pixels-digitising-very-large-format-archives
Interview with Mike Rathbone, NFU Camera Operator, 1975 - 1990 Archives New Zealand 2021-10-27 | Mike Rathbone started his professional career as a stills photographer and while working for the NZ Herald as a news photographer, applied to work at the NFU as a camera assistant. That was in 1975, and he's still working as a cameraman today. In this interview he talks about the NFU in Miramar, the move to Avalon, and what not to do with a $200,000 35mm film camera.
Two Weeks at Manutuke (1971) Archives New Zealand 2021-10-27 | New Zealand's National FIlm Unit presents "Two Weeks at Manutuke" (1971).The candid record of a unique 14-day theatre school, held at the village of Manutuke by the New Zealand Maori Theatre Trust.
MĀORI DAYS (silent movie) (1934) Archives New Zealand 2021-10-27 | Māori Days (1934)One of the few tinted silent films in the Archives New Zealand holdings, this film was part of a series completed by the NZ Government Tourist and Publicity Department. This episode depicts weaving with harakeke and the creation of a piupiu.
Interview with David Stubbs, NFU Editor/Director, 1986 - 1990 Archives New Zealand 2021-10-26 | Director, producer and co-owner of production company KHF Media, David Stubbs (Daffodils, Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses) tells us about his early film career with the NFU, how he made his directorial debut with the NFU short film "Running for Empties", and shares his thoughts on the value in preserving the NFU film collection.To find out more about the NFU go to our online exhibition archives.govt.nz/80-years-of-the-national-film-unit. Watch "Running For Empties" on here: youtu.be/utbT3IL3P2YAlso have a look at our NFU Mix here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFjRz3quvmyBqzeb8GQpX3khPu8Mo6yxj
Interview with Lynne Reed, NFU Film Colour Grader, 1984 - 1990. Archives New Zealand 2021-10-26 | In the mid 1980's Lynne Reed started working at the National Film Unit (NFU). She recalls how she came to be a Colour Grader, what it was like working there at the time, and tells us about the work she's doing now to help preserve the NFU films for future generations.To find out more about the NFU go to our online exhibition archives.govt.nz/80-years-of-the-national-film-unit. Also have a look at our NFU Mix here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFjRz3quvmyBqzeb8GQpX3khPu8Mo6yxj
Letter By Robot (1960) Archives New Zealand 2021-10-26 | New Zealand's National Film Unit presents "Letter By Robot" - 276ft, (30/8/1960) 3 mins.What’s the best way to get a letter from the Mayor of Wellington to the Mayor of Whanganui? In August 1960 they thought the solution might be Brosco, a 9ft’6” robot, who sets off on foot to deliver the mail. Some startled roadside spectators witness his journey before Brosco arrives at the Whanganui Industrial Fair to rapturous adulation.This clip of Brosco the Robot’s journey to promote the Fair was filmed for inclusion in a Pictorial Parade but was never officially released. In a behind-the-scenes exclusive we can report that Brosco did not make the entire 120 mile journey by foot. An incident with an impatient van driver in Bulls meant Brosco had to be transported by vehicle for the remainder of the trip.
Night Flight (1951) 11 mins Archives New Zealand 2021-10-26 | Released October 1951, New Zealand's National Film Unit presents "Night Flight".Batman may have had night vision but not so the average NZ pilot. Increasing air passenger numbers and volumes of freight created a need for night flying to become standard. In this National Film Unit film, follow flight ZK-AOD on a night flight from Christchurch to Paraparaumu. Learn how pilots use radio beams and beacons to fly at night, and the methods and apparatus used to provide maximum safety for aircraft at all times and in all weathers. See examples of the technology in use including a flight simulator and contemporary computer – which may or may not have later been re-purposed as a Lazy Susan.
Tour the Film Preservation Lab Archives New Zealand 2021-10-12 | Join us for a behind-the scenes tour of the Archives NZ film preservation lab and learn about the mahi (work) we're doing to help preserve New Zealand's precious film taonga (treasures), ensuring that these films will be available for future generations of New Zealanders.
This is Expo (1971) Master upload Archives New Zealand 2021-09-22 | New Zealand National Film Unit presents This is Expo 1970The World Expo was held in Suita, Osaka, Japan between March 15 and September 13, 1970. It was the first World Fair to be held in Japan. Over 70 countries participated in the fair, including Canada, Italy, France, Australia, The Netherlands, Bulgaria, India and New Zealand, with the Soviet Union holding the title for tallest pavilion at over 360 feet!Highlights of the Fair included a moon rock housed at the United States pavilion, which had been collected in 1969 by Apollo 12 astronauts in 1969.The World Fair offered visitors an opportunity to experience other cultures and the future, all under the main theme of 'Progress and Harmony for Mankind'.This film features New Zealand's very successful participation at Expo 70, as well as other aspects of history's biggest fair: entertainment from many countries, national day celebrations in the plaza, the off-duty relaxation of the pavilion staff. Written, Directed and Edited by Hugh MacDonald. Photography by Kell Fowler. Executive Producer Geoffrey Scott.Producer Ronald Bowie.DV file of Beta SP Telecine (Tape 275) of 35mm film - 550,025
The One Ton Cup (1971) Archives New Zealand 2021-08-26 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'The One Ton Cup' (1971)In the Hauraki Gulf, Stormy Petrel from Australia wins the international event - the One Ton Cup, 1971. Excerpts are shown from the five races that make up the competition, interviews with several skippers, and the final celebration.Some material contained in this film may be copyrighted to a third party. If you would like to reuse this film, please contact Archives NZ for more information.
A Sense of Involvement (1977) Archives New Zealand 2021-08-26 | New Zealand's National Film Unit presents 'A Sense of Involvement' (1977)In a world of mass-produced articles, the craft movement in New Zealand has established itself as strongly as in other countries. Using their different skills, potters, weavers, printmakers, and sculptors are allied by a sense of involvement. Without commentary, music and picture establish a mood which allows the audience to share their involvement.Some material contained in this film may be copyrighted to a third party. If you would like to reuse this film, please contact Archives NZ for more information.
This Is New Zealand (1970) Archives New Zealand 2021-08-08 | New Zealand's National Film Unit presents 'This Is New Zealand' (1970)Designed to give a comprehensive look at where New Zealand is located in the world, what the country is like and what it produces. It shows New Zealanders at work and play. Sequences from the film include spectacular panoramas, covering the three screens, of aerial scenes over the Southern Alps and over farmlands and cities. Combined aerial sequences with separate scenes on each screen, give an idea of the contrasts of the New Zealand countryside. This setting leads into sequences showing farming, sheep in large numbers, farming research, cattle mustering and dairy production. Forestry development and milling and export of logs to Japan are shown, followed by sequences of New Zealanders at their normal work – builders, barristers, dentists school teachers, doctors and hospital workers are shown followed by items about social services and infants. The New Zealanders keen interest in sport is depicted in a wide variety. The film ends on a scenic note, returning to spectacular aerial views.Made for Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan, it screened to two million people during the Expo and then to huge audiences upon its return to New Zealand. This film was remastered by Park Road Post in 2007 for the NZ International Film Festival.Directed by Hugh MacDonald(No spoken commentary)Some material contained in this film may be copyrighted to a third party. If you would like to reuse this film, please contact Archives NZ for more information.
Volcanic Power (1962) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'Volcanic Power' (1962)An opening cartoon sequence portrays the legendary and the scientific explanations of the origin of New Zealand's main volcanic belt. Live action shows uses of small private steam bores, Government drilling of deep bores at Wairakei, spectacular shots of a "rogue" bore which burst out of control, and the selection of new drilling sites. Also the measuring of steam output, the coping with problems of wet steam and other difficulties, and the first big geothermal power-station in action. Concluding cartoon sequence indicates future prospects.
The WAACs etc (1942) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'The WAACs etc' (1942) Women's Army - THE W.A.A.C.S Army - RIVER CROSSING
Wellington Scenes (1958) MUTE Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | Scenes of Wellington filmed by the National Film Unit (1958) No soundtrack
Wellington Airport scenes (1964) MUTE Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | Scenes of Wellington Airport filmed by the National Film Unit (1964)No soundtrack
War Jobs for Women (section) (1942) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'War Jobs for Women' (section) (1942)Off cut from "War Jobs for Women"
Top Brass (1970) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'Top Brass' (1970)In different settings, the National Band of New Zealand plays three numbers showing off its musical expertise and its marching - Through Bolts and Bars, Spring, and Crown Imperial.Some material contained in this film may be copyrighted to a third party. If you would like to reuse this film, please contact Archives NZ for more information.
Safe Cycling (1947) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-23 | New Zealand's National Film Unit presents 'Safe Cycling' (1947)Instructional film for primary and secondary school children.
This Dog Is Dangerous (1957) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-22 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'This Dog is Dangerous' (1957)A Health Department film designed mainly for farming audiences, on the danger of hydatid disease. Live action and cartoon sequences show how the disease is spread by dogs, how the parasite develops inside animals, and how the disease can be wiped out if every dog owner will play his part.
The Young Giant Kaingaroa (1966) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-22 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'The Young Giant Kaingaroa' (1966)One of the biggest exotic forests in the world, Kaingaroa covers 500 square miles, and produces annually 50 million cubic feet of wood for pulp, paper, and building timber. The management of this forest is the responsibility of the New Zealand Forest Service.Some material contained in this film may be copyrighted to a third party. If you would like to reuse this film, please contact Archives NZ for more information.
Thermal Wonderland (1950) Archives New Zealand 2021-07-22 | New Zealand’s National Film Unit presents 'Thermal Wonderland' (1950)New Zealand's great region of boiling springs, spouting geysers, and roaring steam vents. Rotorua's famous spa, hot and cold lakes, and trout streams, and unique aerial shots of Tarawera's mighty volcanic crater.Some material contained in this film may be copyrighted to a third party. If you would like to reuse this film, please contact Archives NZ for more information.
