Last Shot at Messenger

Wetlands aren’t particularly well understood by many, yet are one of the most essential ecosystems we have in Aotearoa.

If forests are the lungs of the earth, then wetlands are the kidneys. They filter our water systems, and are home to many of our native species. So why does Aotearoa New Zealand have but only 10% of our wetlands remaining?

Our country has an upsetting history of draining wetlands and building infrastructure over them. Now, in the face of climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological collapse, one of Taranaki’s most important and oldest wetlands faces that same fate.

ABOUT THE FILM

As the construction of a motorway bypass quickly approaches, a Taranaki farmer and the Poutama hapu take a final stand to protect the ancient wetlands that the proposed new road threatens to destroy.

In this short documentary, we will capture the beauty of the Mangapēpeke Valley (Mt. Messenger) wetlands, and observe the native wildlife within the landscape to speak to both the ecological importance, and spiritual significance of the whenua.

Our film aims to tell the story of the conflict from all sides, and the issues in the systems we use to build infrastructure. This will culminate in a film of powerful vistas, rare footage of native fauna, and stories of human’s relationship with the environment.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We need your help in order to do this important mahi justice, to capture the beauty of the land and tell its story to a high standard. Your donation will also help us distribute the film.

Your donation will help us cover travel expenses and gear hire, and means we can pay a fair wage to the creatives who will be putting their skills into this film. All donors will receive their name in the credits, and an invitation to the premiere screening of the film.

If you are unable to donate, please share our page with your friends and family to help us get the word out.

Thank you for your support - we could not make this film without it.

MORE ABOUT THE TEAM

Director Ethan Alderson-Hughes

Ethan is an emerging filmmaker dedicated to developing climate activism and social justice oriented content. Day-to-day, he edits science communication content for the video production company Aotearoa Science Agency, and has regular involvement in climate activism groups, such as Generation Zero, and Pollinator Paths. After graduating AUT with a major in screen production, Ethan’s first endeavour into the short documentary format was as part of Chilldocs 2019 with his film ‘Kaitiaki’, which he produced, directed, and edited. He is perhaps best known for his 2021 short documentary ‘A Fracking Tour of Taranaki’, which he directed and edited as part of Someday Stories series 5. You can view Ethan's portfolio here. 

Producer Micah Te Kaponga Winiata

Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Micah Winiata (Ngāti Ranginui / Ngāti Porou) is an independent film producer that has studied at the New Zealand Broadcasting School and Columbia College Chicago. He is an alumni of the Share the Knowledge ‘Production Coordinators Course’, and on the judging panel for youth Film Challenges such as The Outlook for Someday, and the International Youth Silent Film Festival. Having produced numerous narrative shorts, created a nonverbal ‘Someday Story’ documentary entitled ‘TAIAO’, as well as a micro-budget feature film, his stories and collaborations have travelled to festivals in Dubai, Chicago, Australia, and throughout the motu in Aotearoa.