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Video a Local Effort
by Bruce Miller
A highly entertaining and educational video of Captain Cook's visit to Mercury Bay in 1769 was made possible by Presbyterian grants, and contributions from the local church and community. "Twelve Days", which had it's premier in Whitianga on 10 June, has also provided opportunities for young people in Paeroa.
Chris Lux Mayor of Thames Coromandel says "the video uses humour to disarm us and to confront us with current issues. It points the way, as to how we can positively deal with past injustices and present debates".
Funding came from grants by the Presbyterian Foundation of $6,000, the Waikato Presbytery of $4,000, with the Paeroa Cooperating parish contributing $3,000 and $1,500 from individuals. These contributions not only enabled the production of a high quality documentary but has also provided valuable technical training for young people in Paeroa.
The video was produced by The Paeroa Production Company which was set up by Stan and Pauline Stewart who are the ministers of the Cooperating Church of Paeroa and Whitianga. This production is part of their vision to train, equip and encourage youth in Paeroa. The grant was vital in completing the project, as were the many people who volunteered their time. One of whom, Dean Jackson, has since gained full-time employment in the entertainment industry as a direct result of his 'on the job training'. Dean was responsible for the video and audio editing.
The documentary explores Cook's historic visit through the dialogue of two current day fishing mates. One is a Maori, descended from the Ngati Hei tribe of Mercury Bay, the other a European. The heated debate over the true history of the bay sees both doing some research. This is depicted through historical flash- backs using TVNZ footage and through accounts from Cook's ship's log and stories passed down by the Ngati Hei people, who witnessed his arrival.
The video debate concludes with both fishermen becoming aware that some of their perceptions of history were inaccurate, leading them to a greater respect for the other's view.