the nziff traditionally presents some fascinating nz films
many as this one exposing some element of maori history
tame iti is the man in focus - seen on many a news report
particularly as default leader of the so-called urewera four
living overseas in 2007 meant i missed the core of this story
so the background presented in this film is most welcomed
in that year the police conducted a raid in the area of urewera
with road-blocks, armed police, house raids and some aggression
the footage shown and tearful commentary suggesting fearful stuff
all in the name of anti-terrorism to justify the heavy-handed approach
the four arrested on charges of terrorist and illegal firearms activity
tame iti and rangi kermara are from the town of ruatoki near urewera
urs singer (swiss) and partner emily bailey are based in wellington
the four appear in court in auckland to face a long list of charges
an impression of a very large and heavy book is being thrown
having laid the case for the crown the film then delves deeper
various interviewees confirm that training camps did exist
but for the purposes of training people to be security guards
this to assist locals secure lucrative work in the muddle east
hmm - undercover police cameras were used to monitor this
some of that footage shown in the film detailing the training
parking that the film then goes into character presentation mode
tame iti talking about his upbringing and early days of activism
his early influences are his father, malcolm x and jimi hendrix
the vietnam war, apartheid and maori issues all in his sights
we also see a gentle and loving person with pets and children
his partner speaks fondly of her concerns for his wellbeing
but there's no escaping he faces serious charges in auckland
the next part of the film then shows the court case in progress
packed courtrooms and 4 most unlikely looking defendants
the jury cannot reach a conclusion on the terrorist charges
but tame iti and rangi kermara are guilty of firearm offences
unexpectedly tame iti is bundled off to prison for 30 months
he serves 9 due to good behaviour and a happy man on release
reunited with his beloved dog, partner, children and grandchildren
now with painting skills developed in prison he becomes an artist
his large modernist and theme-based oil based paintings are striking
there's an unexpected happy ending with the politics of this film
in 2014 several bills are passed in favour of the tuhoe people
securing the rights to land, due compensation and an apology
that seen in a ceremony from attorney-general chris finlayson
(thinking - where is john key - why is he not leading this?)
an equally moving ceremony then shown at parliament house
a large crowd for the official signing of the deed of agreement
i'm all goosebumps as a haka is performed and given due respect
a proud and happy tame iti seen as one of the deed's signatories
and for the film's climax - full circle - police seen at ruatoki
four of them are being served a traditional maori challenge
maori children laying leaves on the ground before the police
the most senior policeman walks, bends and picks them up
next we see them seated in a house listening to the locals
they talk of their fears around the 2007 spying and raids
police commissioner mike bush then stands and talks
and apologies unreservedly - more goosebumps for me
this is repeated in other private houses - unbelievable
the end - i'm close to tears actually and motionless
now that's the way things should be done these days
another great nz film - a must-see for every kiwi - and more...
