The Birth of New Zealand

1922 film

The Birth of New Zealand

Directed by| Harrington Reynolds
Starring| Stella Southern

Production
company

New Zealand Cinema Enterprises[1]

Release date

* 1922 (1922)

Running time

| 8,000 ft, 132 min.[2]
Country| New Zealand
Language| silent

The Birth of New Zealand is a 1922 New Zealand film which depicts key events in New Zealand history. Directed by Harrington Reynolds who also starred, other New Zealand pioneer filmmakers Ted Coubray and possibly Rudall Hayward were also involved. Episodes depicted include ancient Maori wars, Captain Cook's landing and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

## History

[edit]

The silent film was shot around Howick and Cockle Bay over two months in 1921.[3] The film premiered at the Auckland Town Hall on 11 February 1922.[3]

Only fragments (154 feet) of the film remain.[2] While not the first film shot in New Zealand, this is the earliest film of which footage remains.[3] Scenes from this film were reused by filmmaker Edward T. Brown for the 1930 "talkie" The Romance of Maoriland.[4]

## Cast

[edit]

* Stella Southern as Dorothy
* Norman French as Tom Campbell
* Harrington Reynolds as Con O'Hara
* George Kingsland as Septimus
* Maisie Carter as Mrs Campbell

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Diane Pivac. 'Coubray, Edwin', from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 7-Jun-2013 accessed 11 September 2013
2. ^ a b "The Birth of New Zealand" at Tracking Shots Archived 12 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine accessed 11 September 2013
3. ^ a b c "11 February 1922". Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. MJ_2006. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
4. ^ "6 October 1929". Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. MJ_2454. Retrieved 21 June 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* The Birth of New Zealand at NZ Museums

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