This is/That was New Zealand

When Britain joined the Common Market in 1969, New Zealand suddenly had to start promoting itself to the world, and one of the ways it did so was to take part in Expo 70, in Osaka, Japan.

The star attraction at that event was a revolutionary 20-minute film 'This is New Zealand’, made by the National Film Unit that introduced viewers to New Zealand in a glorious three-screen presentation. With highly inventive camera work and editing, it showed everyone where we are, who we are, and – taking advantage of the super-widescreen format – what a spectacularly beautiful land we live in.

The film was seen by more than two million people at Expo 70, and by 350,000 more when it returned home afterwards. Hidden from view since that time, this landmark film has been given a stunning restoration by Archives New Zealand and Park Road Post, and it looks – and sounds better than it ever has before.

‘This is New Zealand’ is now being re-released to cinemas beginning in the Wellington region from 3 July 2021 and thereafter around other parts of the nation.