CLASSIFICATION:
This film has been exempt from classification and is restricted to persons aged 15 and over unless accompanied by an adult.
Ever the Land explores the sublime bond between people and their land through a landmark architectural undertaking by one of New Zealand’s most passionately independent Maori tribes, Ngāi Tūhoe.
The setting is the forest region of Te Urewera and Tūhoe are an indigenous people fighting to rebuild and to claim their rights. For the past 150 years, the relationship between the Tūhoe Maori tribe and the New Zealand government has been defined by longstanding grievances over severe colonisation experiences such as illegal land confiscations and the devastating consequences of scorched earth policies. The film captures a period of change and tremendous foresight: Tūhoe are negotiating an apology and settlement from the Crown, and constructing an architectural gem of a community centre using radically sustainable methods. Tradition and environmentalism are brought together, and the film gives us a stirring depiction of Indigenous pride.
The new building is the binding character in this observational documentary that immerses us in a culture that is tightly woven into its land and an architecture that is defined by its intergrity to it. This is a film about past and future, tradition and modernity. Most of all, though, it’s about the grandest hopes—and what it takes to fulfill them.
SPEAKERS
Film introduced by
Speaking @ Ever the Land Jeremy is a Senior ESD Consultant / Urban Planner working across the development lifecycle with the company Sustainability House. His main professional focus is working with developers and builders in improving sustainability outcomes, energy efficiency and understanding legislative and statutory requirements. This role also involves advocacy and research with Government both at a State and Federal level and delivering training and seminars. He has also been a casual tutor and course coordinator with the University of SA. Outside of work, Jeremy is well known for his bicycle advocacy work, an enthusiasm for cargo bicycles and an interest in natural building techniques, food systems and Permaculture.