From L-R: John Utanga, Nick Henry, and John Beasley celebrate the screening of co-production Aitutaki: A Changing Tide.
By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, PCBL/Pasifika TV
Directors of a Pacific Regional Media Fund (PRMF) co-production Aitutaki: A Changing Tide say the documentary is a call to action to protect the island environment and its community, and not take the taonga for granted.
Part of the Cook Islands, and home to approximately 1800 residents, Aitutaki consists of 15 motus sprinkled across a turquoise lagoon and is renown as one of the most beautiful parts of the South Pacific.
It is the central subject of the PRMF co-production between Aotearoa New Zealand-based John Utanga of Sunpix, and Cook Islands-based Nick Henry, of Araura TV Aitutaki.
Their documentary is one of six projects, selected for the inaugural PRMF initiative, funded by NZ On Air and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), to pair Pacific producers in Aotearoa with Pacific-based producers and broadcasters to create and produce content from the region.
Of Kuki Airani descent, John says the film is about the island of Aitutaki’s most prized asset- its world class lagoon environment – and how it must be cared for by its community and not taken for granted.
“The concerns come at a time of increasing change from climatic conditions to local use and the rise of tourism and development,” John says.
Lagoon damage is occurring from increasingly extreme weather in the region, alongside ongoing environmental threats from land-based runoff (farm chemicals killing coral/marine life), and increased pollution from the tourism sector.
John, who has family ties to Rarotonga, jumped at the chance to learn more about the area when Nick, who is also the Mayor of Aitutaki, contacted him with the idea of featuring the slice of paradise in their co-production.
“I was also keen to work with the Araura TV team knowing full well that, in the islands, time and schedules move at their own pace,” John says.
During production, the main challenge for the crew was working a lot on and in the water, which poses many technical challenges, he adds.
“As you can imagine water gets into everything if you’re not careful and boats don’t make for stable shooting platforms.
“However, we were fortunate to have the services of Rarotonga-based camera operator John Beasely, who has worked extensively in ocean environments and is also an amazing drone pilot.
“Fortunately, we managed to meet most of our production timeline although, as a director, I wish I could have spent another month in the field.”
Elected Mayor of Aitutaki in October 2024, Nick says time played a huge factor for him while producing the documentary.
“I found I ran out of time in the field during the shoot as I was busier than expected being Mayor but there were many highlights for me, including working with an experienced team led by John Utanga and the Sunpix crew,” Nick says.
“Their calm and unhurried composure boosted confidence to deliver a quality product.
“I was also very impressed with the team John put together in post-production – their attention to detail was exceptional.”
After months of hard work on and off the lagoon, Aitutaki: A Changing Tide was fittingly launched as part of this year’s Aitutaki Day celebrations in December.
Locals pack out the screening of Aitutaki: A Changing Tide.
Proud of everyone involved, Nick says he hopes people are reminded and inspired about the natural beauty of the area, before it is gone.
“Locally, I hope this will be a call to action for all Aitutaki residents,” Nick says.
It is call to action, to not be complacent and to be ever vigilant of a taonga that is all too often taken for granted, especially for small island communities in the Pacific, John adds.
Natasha Meleisea, PCBL Chief Executive Officer says Aitutaki: A Changing Tide reflects the personal connection between people and the environment, showcasing a stunning piece of the Pacific at threat if it is not cherished.
“The message to treasure our taonga today, so that others may continue to enjoy tomorrow, resonates with so many across the region,” Natasha says.
Both NZ On Air and PCBL are proud of the collaboration between Araura TV and Sunpix, she adds.
“The PRMF programme has enabled this story to be told from a truly heartfelt Kuki perspective, which is what we need to see happen more often – our people telling our stories, in our own uniquely Pacific way.”
