Summer Movies al Fresco: Whale Rider

2002 PG 101 mins
A twelve-year-old Māori girl’s ambition is to become the chief of the tribe while her grandfather believes this is a role reserved for males only.

Long before she made an appearance in Game of Thrones, Keisha Castle-Hughes was one of the youngest people nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in this moving drama based on the book by Witi Ihimaera.

Paikea (Hughes), a young Māori girl, fights against patriarchal traditions with quiet strength and tenacity. Will she fulfil her destiny and help her grandfather see that traditions can change while still keeping values and culture alive?

Gather a group, a picnic, perhaps put on your favourite onesie and join us from 7:30pm to play giant board games, enjoy the park and watch the region’s glorious summer sunsets. Wrap up warm and please pocket a torch to light your way home.

If it looks like rain, please text “Is it on?” to 021 776 623 after 7:30pm.

Please pack it in, pack it out and keep our parks beautiful!

Full summer movie schedule of 14 screenings across seven venues is available on the website.