Kaitangata Twitch is a 2010 New Zealand television series. It was a 13 episode family series that starred Te Waimarie Kessell. It is based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Mahy. It was filmed in Governors Bay and Kaitangata Peninsula with filming taking place in the first half of 2009.
Kaitangata Twitch is the first major drama series produced for Maori Television. The Maori elements in original novel were further developed and strengthened for the TV series.
The island of Kaitangata twitches when it is angry. When it happened 50 years ago a 13-year-old girl disappeared. Meredith Gallagher develops a connection with the island.
Cast Te Waimarie Kessell as Meredith Gallagher George Henare as Lee Kaa Charles Mesure as Carey Gallagher Miriama Smith as Grace Gallagher Kerry-Lee Dewing as Kate Gallagher Cejay Pickett as Rufus Gallagher Blair Strang as Sebastian Cardwell James Davies as Nick Lawson Francis Dale as Alan Ponty Charles Koroneho as Kaitangata
Broadcast history Kaitangata Twitch aired in Canada before playing on Maori TV beginning 2 May 2010. Australia showed it on ABC3 in October and the screening rights were sold in Sweden.
Reception The Nelson Mail Alastair Paulin wrote after the first episode "From the first frame, of a stunning red dawn over Governors Bay, Kaitangata Twitch looks like a winner" adding "How great to see a Kiwi villa set in native bush looking over Governors Bay, filled with kids who could have stepped off the local playground." Linda Burgess of the Post says of the same, "At the end of episode one everything you need to know has been established and I can't imagine anyone not coming back for more." Leigh Paatsch gave it a 3 star capsual review in the Herald Sun saying it "features all the right elements for a thriller mystery aimed at younger viewers."
Awards Qantas Film and TV Awards 2010 Best Performance by an Actor: George Henare – won Best Sound Design: Steve Finnigan, James Hayday & Tom Miskin – won Best Production Design: Gary Mackay – won Best Children's/Youth Programme – nominated Best Performance by a Supporting Actress: Miriama Smith – nominated Best Script – Drama/Comedy Programme: Michael Bennett – nominated Best Cinematography – Drama/Comedy Programme: David Paul – nominated Best Original Music: Gareth Farr – nominated
Sir Julius Vogel Awards 2011 Best Dramatic Presentation
WorldFest (Houston) 2010 Platinum Award
References
External links
Kaitangata Twitch on NZ On Screen