Movie highlight of Waitangi Day

Award-winning singer and X Factor judge Stan Walker stars in Mt Zion, screening at MTG Century Theatre on Waitangi Day.

Set in 1979, Walker plays Turei, who dreams of his band being the support act for Bob Marley's ground-breaking tour to New Zealand. It’s far removed from the reality of his life, his family being hard-working potato farm workers, and it sets him on a collision course with others, particularly his father, played by Temuera Morrison.

The film, directed by Te Arepa Kahi, also stars Miriama Smith and marked Walker’s acting debut.

The movie features six original recordings from Small Axe, Turei’s fictional band depicted in the film, hits by reggae superstars such as Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff, and iconic Kiwi tracks from artists such as Prince Tui Teka and Herbs.


Photo courtesy of Napier City Council

The one-off screening of the 2013 movie is complemented by other activities, including a free pop-up talk at 11am by Tryphena Cracknell, Curator Taonga Maori.

A children’s activity table will also be available all day.

MTG is open from 10am to 5pm.

What: Mt Zion
Where: MTG Century Theatre, 1 Tennyson Street, Napier
When: 2.30pm Saturday 6 February
Cost: $5 from the main reception desk at MTG or at the door on the day
For more information: Ph (06) 835 7781