This is a film about the response by a community to New Zealand’s largest environmental disaster, seen through the eyes of that community.
When the MV Rena grounded on Ōtāiti (Astrolabe reef) on 5 October 2011 it wasn’t just the iconic New Zealand coastline and wildlife that were threatened by the ensuing black waves of oil and debris, but also a lifestyle treasured by its residents. The disaster reveals a deep connection to the environment in both local Māori and Pakeha (European descendants) alike.
When floundering bureaucrats initially ignore the local advice and knowledge that could have largely avoided the disaster, and then are painfully slow to clean up the overwhelming mess, the community steps in, taking matters into their own hands. A groundswell of volunteers goes out daily to help save wildlife and clean up the massive field of oil and debris strewn along the coast.
The film captures the shock, anger and grief driven into the heart of the local community, but also the humour, purpose and overwhelming positivity when people join together with a common goal.
In the aftermath of the clean-up, a further battle to remove the remains of the wreck ensues, with community unity threatened through the overpowering insurers and ship owners. The mauri (life force) of a national taonga (treasure) Ōtāiti is forever altered, however the power of a simple act of forgiveness shown to the ship’s scapegoated Filipino crew offers a beautiful way forward to growth and recovery.
From septuagenarian widowers chasing oiled penguins around their living rooms to a 6-metre long barbecue feeding volunteers for free, to youth impersonating army personnel in order to be allowed onto the beach to clean up oil, the documentary is made up of interviews with 35 local people (iwi, retirees, volunteers, wildlife leaders, marine experts, small business owners and community leaders).
A wealth of never-before-seen stock footage and amazing photos, augmented by re-enactments and CGI graphics brings these stories to life and paints a picture of “a great moment in human history” (the late Brian Rogers, Owner Sun Media / Interviewee).
Fabulous that this was made. I was there, along with thousands. Kiwis came home from around the world to help.
We watched your movie today – well done and thank you for telling the story so well.
We too wish the whole wreckage and its debris field was completely gone.
I left the theatre today with more questions than I had going in:
Do we understand correctly that there are many toxic things still there, not the least the paint/treatment on the hull? How much harm is it all doing now, especially in mind of the Motiti island community who live so close to it and for whom kaimoana is integral to their daily life, and for local daily swimmers/surfers along the BoP coastline?
We can’t turn back time, but the least we can do is make positive changes going forward. It seems we need to ensure NZ is protected by the same marine disaster agreement as was mentioned is applied in places such as the Mediterranean. Do we petition for it? What is that particular treaty called?
Is there now an oil recovery vessel on permanent standby for our coastlines? Do we need to fundraise for it/them -Or as a show of goodwill should all shipping companies who visit NZ chip in?
How can we help?
Again thanks.
I live at Bethlehem Shores where we have our own 50 seat theatre with DVD or internet link. We are wondering if we are able to screen at our theatre. I am sure we can charge for showing if required or a donation. I remember seeing Brian Rogers cleaning the oil off his boat after being out at the Rena photographing.