About the Images on this Page

Scarfies (1999)
Director: Robert Sarkies; Nightmare Productions
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Film Commission

Scarfies is the story of five student flatmates who come into unexpected wealth after discovering a marijuana crop in their basement. This image shows Alex (Taika Cohen) and Graham (Charlie Bleakley), enjoying their new car — just before the owner of the crop shows up wanting his money. Scarfies, the first feature made in Dunedin since 1935, took its title from the nickname given to the thousands of university students who occupy the city.

Beauty Contest (c.1929)
Filmmaker unknown
NZFA Stills Collection

These two images feature unidentified women posing for the camera, possibly for a beauty contest. Such films were not uncommon in the early part of the twentieth century, with filmmakers discovering that they could make much-needed money from some form of local film—particularly beauty contests, screen tests, baby contests, haircutting competitions and talent quests. Completed quickly, the films were shown in local theatres within days. They were sure-fire box offices successes, guaranteeing an audience who would turn up to see themselves, friends and family on screen.

Shortland Street (1992 - )
Episode Director: Brian Lennane; South Pacific Pictures
NZFA Stills Collection

Image features Carrie (Lisa Crittenden) and Dr Ropata (Temuera Morrison) from the first episode of the New Zealand soap, Shortland Street, which screened on 25 May, 1992. In this scene, the angry Nurse Carrie tries to put newly arrived Dr Ropata in his place by reminding him “you’re not in Guatemala now, Dr Ropata!” This unusual retort remains the most famous line in Shortland Street’s screen history.

An Angel at My Table (1990)
Director: Jane Campion; Hibiscus Films
New Zealand Film Commission
NZFA Stills Collection

Image shows Kerry Fox as New Zealand author Janet Frame, in the dramatic adaptation of Frame’s three-part autobiography. Made as a series for television and as feature-length film, An Angel at My Table explores Frame’s childhood and the personal struggles she experienced before her eventual genesis as a writer. Fox said of her role: “I don’t believe that I was trying to be Janet Frame. I was portraying a character from the script, which is written from the books, which in turn is Janet’s version of her life. So you wouldn’t say I was playing the Janet Frame.”

Surf Girl (c.1958)
Filmmaker unknown
NZFA Stills Collection

Image features members of the Titahi Bay Ladies Surf Life Saving Club at the New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships held at New Brighton, Christchurch. The film shows women practising their rescue and recovery skills and parading on the beach. A large number of spectators watch the teams in competition, enjoying the sunshine and the atmosphere.

New Zealand vs. England 1905
Filmmaker unknown
NZFA Stills Collection

This image is from footage of the test match between New Zealand and England at Crystal Palace, London, on 2 December, 1905. This was New Zealand’s first tour as a national representative side. At half time, the score was New Zealand 9, England 0 and at full-time the score was New Zealand 15, England 0. Only three and a half minutes long, this film is believed to be the earliest surviving footage of a rugby test match.

Percy the Policeman:
Percy Meets Burglar Bill (1974)
Director: Geoff Murphy; Pacific Films & Acme Sausage Company
Pacific Films Collection, NZFA

Percy the Policeman was a children's television series produced for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation. Throughout the series, Percy, the good-natured but bumbling policeman, attempts to solve crimes in a highly slapstick manner, much to the frustration of the Chief of Police (Martin Sanderson, shown). The shows were never broadcast, however, as they were deemed to be an inappropriate representation of the police force.