Not coming to New Zealand

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 4

Not coming to New Zealand

New Zealand will be used as the background to an episode of “The Troubleshooters,” and the Maori singer, Inia Te Wiata, might be persuaded to play one of the leading roles.

This would be his second appearance in “The Troubleshooters," as he is featured in an episode of the series just bought by the N.Z.B.C. for screening later this year. It was originally planned to film three episodes of a new series in New Zealand next month, but the visit had to be cancelled because financial assistance offered by the N.Z.B.C. and the Tourist and Publicity Department appeared to contravene 8.8. C. rules. The Dominion will still be used as a background to one episode, but it will be filmed in London, using extra film clips to provide the proper setting. The single story which will now use a New Zealand setting has been written by the press officer at New Zealand House in London, Mr Joe Lorigan. The producer, Tony Read, said if the financial problem had not come up he would have taken at least 15 people to New Zealand,

including “three or four star actors.” The N.Z.B.C. and Tourist and Publicity Department had offered assistance that was “quite substantial but not out of all proportion,” said Mr Read. I “But unfortunately the deal we had arranged with them appeared to the 8.8. C. to contravene the 8.8. C. charter, under which the corporation is allowed to operate,” he said. “In normal times things might have been all right, but the charter must be renewed soon and it is a very touchy subject round here. “The 8.8. C. decided our deal was doubtful and as we could not afford to take in New Zealand on our normal budget, I’m afraid that with great reluctance we have had to cancel our visit. “We will continue to film Joe Lorigan’s episode, shooting it over here and matching up backdrops and films of New Zealand. And we hope Inia Te Wiata will still play a leading part. “The other two New Zealand episodes, which were still at an early stage of planning, have been cancelled.” Mr Lorigan’s play has the Mogul Oil Co. laying a natural gas pipeline from Taranaki to Tauranga. It features the problems encountered when the pipeline has to run through land • covered by Maori tapu.