Our swamps are the solution we need to dig us out of the looming environmental disasters humanity faces. We in Aotearoa New Zealand have drained 90% of our swamps in the last 150 years. Swamps and wetlands are wahi tapu sacred places and mahinga kai food gathering places, sustainers of life, and home to 40% of the world’s species. They are among the world’s most valuable and bio-diverse ecosystems.

Despite only occupying between 5-8% of the earth’s land surface, wetlands hold between 20-30% of the earth’s estimated global soil carbon, and provide the best natural defence against devastating floods and storm surges.

Join us on Wednesday, 3 August at Lumière Cinemas for a screening of Rohe Kōreporepo - The Swamp, The Sacred Place, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Kathleen Gallagher and ECAN Councillor Craig Pauling.

This powerful environmental documentary explores the re-flooding, re-creation and restoration of our wetlands by 60 kaitiaki repo/swamp guardians from throughout Aotearoa as they restore our old and intimate relationships with Rohe Kõreporepo, our swamps, our sacred places.

About the Filmmaker

Kathleen Gallagher

Kathleen Gallagher is a filmmaker and a writer. She received the NZ Playwrights Award in 1993 and the Sonja Davies Peace award in 2004 for her film Tau Te Mauri Breath of Peace. She has authored 3 collections of poetry, 17 full length plays and 8 feature films.

Her films Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku, Water Whisperers Tangaroa and Seven Rivers Walking Haere Mārire have received top audience ratings in both Aotearoa New Zealand and International film Festivals.

Her highly acclaimed novel Earthquakes and Butterflies was published in 2015. Her most recent novel Inangahua Gold was shortlisted in the NZ Heritage Book Awards 2019. She established Wickcandle Film in 2004.

Wickcandle Feature Film credits: Rohe Kōreporepo The Swamp the Sacred Place 2021, Spirit of Mercy 2019, Seven Rivers Walking Haere Mārire 2018, Sky Whisperers Ranginui 2012, Water Whisperers Tangaroa 2010, Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku 2009, Barefeet Peacemakers 2008, He Oranga He Oranga Healing Journeys 2007, Tau Te Mauri Breath of Peace 2004.

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Can’t make it? Transfers are available — pass on your ticket on to a friend or colleague. If you’re unwell, we’ll refund you in full.

If you have any questions about this event, please email nz@boma.global.