Kaitangata Twitch 

It's fifty years since Shelly Gentry disappeared and 50 is one of those numbers that seem to mean something. People celebrate fifty. In pre-European New Zealand, the tiny Island of ... See full summary »

Creators:

Michael Bennett, Gavin Strawhan

Stars:

Te Waimarie Kessell, George Henare, Charles Mesure

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Te Waimarie Kessell	...	Meredith Gallagher 13 episodes, 2010
George Henare	...	Lee Kaa 13 episodes, 2010
Charles Mesure	...	Carey Gallagher 13 episodes, 2010
Miriama Smith	...	Grace Gallagher 13 episodes, 2010
Kerry-Lee Dewing	...	Kate Gallagher 13 episodes, 2010
Cejay Pickett	...	Rufus Gallagher 13 episodes, 2010
Blair Strang	...	Sebastian Cardwell 13 episodes, 2010
James Davies	...	Nick Lawson 13 episodes, 2010
Francis Dale	...	Alan Ponty 13 episodes, 2010
Charles Koroneho	...	Kaitangata 13 episodes, 2010
Eliza Mackay	...	Shelly Gentry 11 episodes, 2010
Robert Gilbert	...	Eric Ponty 7 episodes, 2010
Sheryl Morris	...	Mrs. Reynolds 7 episodes, 2010
Angus Benfield	...	Tom 6 episodes, 2010

Storyline

It's fifty years since Shelly Gentry disappeared and 50 is one of those numbers that seem to mean something. People celebrate fifty. In pre-European New Zealand, the tiny Island of Kaitangata was the scene of awful happenings. After that, the Island seemed to have a life of its own. It dreamt terrible dreams. The local tribe knew it was best to leave it alone. And so the Island slept again. But now Kaitangata is twitching. It's moving. It's waking up! The last time it moved was over fifty years ago. It twitched and a girl disappeared without a trace, apparently swallowed up by the Island. Now it's moving again. Dreaming again. Only 13 year old Meredith can stop it. If she can discover what it wants before it's too late. Before it claims another victim.

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Plot Keywords:

island | new zealand | ghost story | environment | mining | 

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Taglines:

First the twitch, then the trouble

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Genres:

Family | Fantasy

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User Reviews

Beautiful fictional story rich in New Zealand culture

This series has been very enjoyable. The story was originally written as a Children's book by Margaret Mahy. She has been an inspiration for all our children growing up in New Zealand. The story like many of her works brings in a beautiful balanced recount of cultural legends that have been told about significant places in New Zealand. Every mountain and island is sacred and has a story to the people of New Zealand. I love the way this series brings Kaitangata Island's legend into the modern childhood of Meredith. The island itself is fictional but there are many places that resemble it and have ties to Maori Legend and stories that have been pasted down for centuries. The people are the land and the land are the people.

What I like about this show is that the language Te Reo Maori is celebrated by being a large part of it. What a beautiful way to preserve the language and to share a story with our children.

My daughter has been glued and its her favourite show because she says its like her. American shows are not like the place where we live. She at 7 years old loves watching this. Her review as a child simply says "Mum, I like it you see because its true that we have to respect the protocol of our sacred places. We must never forget those because it keeps our place special".

Well done to the talented director, producers, cast and crew because this is Margaret Mahy's message. Love your home, look after it for future generations. Cherish the beauty and respect the land of the long white cloud.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

New Zealand

Language:

Maori English

Release Date:

2 May 2010 (New Zealand)

Filming Locations:

New Zealand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Production Shed TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

23 min

Color:

Color Color (PAL)