By Six
The opening of this episode starts with a quote from a whakataukī, a Māori proverb.
Titiro whakamuri kia anga whakamua.
I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.
“Look to the past to move forward into the future,” says Moana, Ngāpuhi, Deputy Principal and Potato Boss.
Every robust business plan includes an exit strategy.
Steven Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, suggests starting with the end in mind.
How can we ensure the work we create continues to enlighten, inform, educate and entertain?
What will people say about you when you are gone?
What will your friends, whānau and fans remember about you when you’re no longer here?
How do you create an enduring legacy that is bigger than your hair?
This K’ Road Chronicles episode is a metaphor for all the values we, the production team, hold true and dear.
At the time of filming, I was diagnosed with a spinal injury. Disks in my neck placed pressure on my spinal cord, causing partial paralysis in my hands and legs.
My hands are numb, like constant pins and needles.
A doctor at the hospital said it was poor circulation.
My sister said It was my drinking.
My bartender said it wasn’t enough drinking.
My mum said it was my smoking.
My dealer said I should smoke more. Or try edibles.
However, Brian Holland, our K’ Road Chronicles producer, coffee runner and light-humour dispenser, insisted on taking me to another doctor. Long story short, I continue post-surgery recovery in my lush Western Springs estate, and I couldn’t make it to Kaikohe.
I’m incredibly proud of this series and this episode in particular.
We have repeatedly witnessed the importance and value of strong, supportive communities.
This episode is more than a story about potatoes.
It is an illustration of, resourcefulness, resilience and perseverance.
Throughout this series we have been incredibly privileged to be trusted to share stories of hardship and struggle.
What initially appears as a bleak and depressing subject is full of stories of hope, inspiration, resilience and integrity.
We had no other agenda when starting this project more than six years ago than to give a voice to often maligned, marginalised and misrepresented minorities of Aotearoa.
Researcher and new series Director Ella Wells has given this series a final artistic flair, which is more than just an excuse to buy new toys.
The use of vintage Super 8 film adds a nostalgic nuance and is an ode to my personal love, use and abuse of film. Film is raw, honest and sexy.
I’m so very proud of our Magnetic Pictures crew.
Everyone has invested equal emotional equity.
This season of the K’ Road Chronicles would not have been possible without the love, compassion and professional integrity of everyone involved.
The fact that this series is strong enough to succeed sans Six, as seen in this episode, gives me the confidence to pursue other projects after leaving an indelible mark on the national mediascape.
Produced by Magnetic Pictures for TP+
Marketing support from Woolworths NZ
Made with the support of NZ On Air
