What to watch over the long Matariki weekend
Matariki mā Puanga 2025 (Whakaata Māori, TVNZ+)
Cosy up with a cuppa and a warm blanket to watch the Matariki celebrations beamed straight into your living room from 5.45am Friday, June 20. The mammoth five hour broadcast begins at dawn with a traditional hautapu ceremony at Tirorangi Marae in Ohakune, with hosts Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) and Mātai Smith (Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) inviting everyone across Aotearoa to explore the old traditions of Matariki – and create some new ones of their own. / Alex Casey
Land of the Long White Cloud (TVNZ+)
If you need an injection of Northland sand, surf and sun over the chilly weekend, not to mention some much-needed crack-up yarns, I highly recommend Florian Habicht's 2009 documentary Land of the Long White Cloud. Centred around the annual Snapper Classic fishing contest on Ninety Mile Beach, Habicht meets the competitors vying for the whopper $50,000 prize. But this is so much more than a documentary about a fishing contest – the sometimes staggering and frequently charming musings on love, life and death will have you falling hook, line and sinker. Habicht's equally excellent Kaikohe Demolition is also available on TVNZ+ for Matariki, plus there's an open air screening of James and Isey happening tonight in Kawakawa, and a couple of sessions in select Auckland cinemas over the weekend. / AC
Runt (Neon)
We stumbled across this charming and quirky Australian film last weekend, and had a delightful time watching it. Based on a book by Craig Silvey, Runt follows the lively adventures of 10-year-old Annie, who adopts a stray dog and enters him in an agility competition in the hope that the prize money will save their farm from drought and ruin. The trouble is, however, that Runt the dog gets stage fright when anyone other than Annie looks at him. With an impressive cast that includes Celeste Barber, Jai Courtney, Jack Thompson, Deborah Mailman and Matt Day, Runt is funny, heart-warming and full of sweet surprises. A wee gem for all the family. / Tara Ward
Kōkā (in cinemas)
Following a kuia named Hamo (Hinetu Dell), who picks up a wayward 20-something Jo (Darneen Christian) on her journey up the country, Kōkā follows a meditative and intergenerational road trip that traverses everywhere from boarded-up small towns to lush green bush to dripping caves. Director Kath Ahukata-Brown told The Spinoff that the film was 20 years in the making, and is an ode to her land and her people. 'I think the road movie genre shows a deeper connection to the land,' she says. 'I wanted the journey to tap into the collective desire we have in Aotearoa for finding those connections between each other, and protecting our land.' / AC
Shrek: Kātahi Te Korokē (TVNZ+)
From this week's New to Streaming: 'Shrek has been dubbed into more than 40 languages, but Shrek: Kātahi Te Korokē marks the first time a DreamWorks Animation title has been adapted into an indigenous language. Hot on the heels of several te reo Māori versions of Disney's beloved animated films, the adaptation is helmed by Tainui Stephens and stars the renowned musician and actor Maaka Pohatu as the titular gruff green ogre and Te Puaheiri Snowden as his wisecracking donkey sidekick. Experience the side-splitting, gross-out fairy tale like never before.' / Thomas Giblin
Secrets Of The Octopus (Disney+)
I loved My Octopus Teacher, but only recently recovered from its predictable but still heartbreaking ending. This series is completely mesmerising – it takes you under the sea all over the world to meet a cast of octopus who are shapeshifters, social networkers and masterminds (the three episode titles). One of the top searches related to the show is 'Is Secrets Of The Octopus real footage?' It is and it's otherworldly, like a high-def trip to outer space but you're in the ocean. The series strikes a nice balance between informative Paul Rudd narration, storytelling by scientists, and just letting you watch these cool creatures doing their thing. I felt compelled to take up snorkelling immediately, and had buzzy dreams afterwards. / Liv Sisson
Kaleidoscope (NZ on Screen)
If you want to see a few glimpses of good old Aotearoa in the 70s and 80s, look no further than this collection of eccentric little 90-minute documentaries. The title is fitting: all that holds it together is the 'arts' – all of them. There's profiles of artists like Francis Hodgkins and Rita Angus, a behind-the-scenes look of a film about the country's 'most controversial murder' and a handful of episodes about architecture. Other than the peep it gives us into the recent past, Kaleidoscope is charming for the way its subjects are somewhat candid and unsullied by a world where everything is content all the time. / Gabi Lardies
Under the Tuscan Sun (Disney+)
It's the season of new beginnings. Under the Tuscan Sun is a must watch for anyone going through a breakup or anyone looking to make changes in their life. Other than the fact we all want to vicariously buy a run-down villa in Italy and do it up, the movie is littered with loveable characters and the Gay and Away tour really sends it home. Uplifting. Lovely. Funny. A movie that could be described as a ray of sunshine. / GL
Long Bright River (ThreeNow)
Everyone is going on about Dept. Q but Long Bright River over on ThreeNow is way better. If you want a crime series written well and without unnecessary subplots and a predictable ending, then go for this excellent (if not pretty grim) series about a cop in Philadelphia who is struggling to cope with her sister's disappearance amid a spate of deaths. Amanda Seyfried is superb as troubled, solo mum who is sure that the deaths have more to do with murder than opioid overdoses. Well written, well acted, and nicely contained in a limited series. / Claire Mabey
Code of Silence (TVNZ+)
I've been on a crime binge recently (see above) and Code of Silence is one of the best I've watched. It stars Rose Ayling-Ellis who plays a Deaf woman recruited by the police to be a forensic lip reader. Ayling-Ellis (Deaf since birth) is absolutely riveting and the storyline is brilliant. For those after a good, solid crime story you can't get much better than this. / Claire Mabey
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Otago Daily Times
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Matariki market a smash hit
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1News
a day ago
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after mixed verdict clears him of top charges
A US judge has declined to grant bail to Sean "Diddy" Combs, preventing the hip-hop mogul from being freed ahead of sentencing in his sex crimes case. The bond decision came after a jury convicted Combs of federal prostitution-related offences but acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Combs, 55, has been behind bars since his arrest in September. The Grammy-winning impresario stands convicted of two counts of a crime — transportation to engage in prostitution — that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. But jurors cleared him of charges that could have put him behind bars for life. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on those counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should be freed on US$1 million bond. ADVERTISEMENT Prosecutors said he remained a flight risk. Judge Arun Subramanian said the applicable law didn't allow for Combs' release at this point. Among other reasons, the judge noted Combs' violent history: "At trial, the defence conceded the defendant's violence in his personal relationships, saying it happened with Cassie and Jane." As the judge spoke, Combs remained stoic with his hands at his lap. Earlier today, he dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop's celebrated figures behind bars for life. The rapper was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offences and still faces prison time, but is seeking to be freed from jail to await sentencing. The mixed result capped a sordid legal odyssey that shattered Combs' affable "Puff Daddy" image and derailed his career as a Grammy-winning artist and music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star. Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act. ADVERTISEMENT As the jury foreman spoke and the "not guilty" verdicts piled up, Combs pumped his fist. As each juror affirmed agreement with the verdict, Combs looked toward the jury and held his hands up in a prayer motion, and he hugged defence lawyer Teny Geragos. Combs' relatives and supporters in the audience could barely contain their relief, despite the judge's admonition to avoid outbursts: When the first "not guilty" was read aloud, someone shouted, "Yeah!" In this courtroom sketch, Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. (Source: Associated Press) Combs, 55, later continued to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges. Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act. Diddy: In Plain Sight is now screening on TVNZ+ ADVERTISEMENT The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, but Combs' lawyers said that under federal sentencing guidelines he'd likely face 21 to 27 months. Prosecutors, citing Combs' violence and other factors, said he'd likely face 51 to 63 months. Jailed since his arrest last September, he's already served nine months behind bars. But in a triumph for Combs, the jury of eight men and four women acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to allegations that he used his money, power and frightening physical force to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fuelled sex marathons with the men. Family members of Sean "Diddy" Combs, react as they leave Manhattan federal court. (Source: Associated Press) Combs' defence team argued that the women were willing participants and that none of his violence justified the severity of the charges. Marc Agnifilo, a lawyer for Combs, asked that his client be immediately released because the federal Mann Act crimes were of a "vastly different nature" than sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Combs has been behind bars since his September arrest. Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey said he should remain incarcerated as a danger to the community and a threat to flee. She cited evidence of physical abuse and "prolific use and distribution of drugs" that emerged during the trial. "I do believe we'll be seeking a substantial period of incarceration," Comey said. ADVERTISEMENT Both sides filed written submissions expanding on their arguments. Combs appeared overwhelmed as the court adjourned for a few hours. He wiped his face, turning and kneeling at his chair, his head bowed in prayer. In the audience, his relatives stood and applauded as he faced them. "I'll be home soon," he said, and "I love you, baby." "I love you, Mom," he added. Family members of Sean "Diddy" Combs, react as they leave Manhattan federal court. (Source: Associated Press) His relatives applauded him and his lawyers, some of whom had tears in their eyes, as he was led out of court. ADVERTISEMENT There's no date yet for sentencing, when the judge will decide on Combs' punishment for the prostitution conviction. Verdict follows weeks of harrowing testimony Federal officials involved in the case responded to the outcome by noting that sex crimes 'are all too present in many aspects of our society.' 'New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice,' Manhattan-based U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and Ricky J. Patel, who heads federal Homeland Security Investigations' New York office, said in a statement. Jurors deliberated for about 13 hours over three days before announcing their verdict. It came after they said late Tuesday that they had decided on four counts but were stuck on the racketeering one. At that point, the judge told them to keep deliberating and keep the partial verdict under wraps. Combs did not testify at his trial, which featured 34 witnesses as well as video of the rapper attacking his former girlfriend Cassie, the R&B singer born Casandra Ventura. Her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, said in a statement after the verdict that 'by coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.' ADVERTISEMENT Cassie testified for four days about her turbulent 11-year relationship with Combs, which began after she signed with his Bad Boy record label. Cassie said Combs became obsessed with voyeuristic encounters, arranged with the help of his staff, that involved sex workers and copious amounts of baby oil. During the sex events, called 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights,' Combs would order Cassie to do things with other men that she found humiliating, she testified. (Source: Associated Press) When things didn't go Combs' way, he would beat her, she said. "I'm not a rag doll. I'm somebody's child," Cassie told Combs after he dragged her down a hotel hallway in 2016. Another ex-girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," told the jury she repeatedly told Combs she didn't want to have sex with the men hired for their trysts. 'I'm not an animal. I need a break,' she told him. Nevertheless, she said she felt "obligated" to comply with his demands, in part because he paid her rent. ADVERTISEMENT The AP does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Cassie has. Defence calls case an invasion of privacy The trial's most famous witness, rapper Kid Cudi, said Combs broke into his home in late 2011 after learning he and Cassie were dating. After his car was firebombed a few weeks later, Cudi — whose real name is Scott Mescudi — said he knew Combs "had something to do" with it. Combs denied it. A supporter of Sean "Diddy" Combs, reacts outside Manhattan federal court. (Source: Associated Press) Combs' defence team acknowledged that he could be violent but argued that prosecutors were intruding in his personal life. In his closing remarks to the jury, Agnifilo said it wasn't illegal for Combs to make "homemade porn" with his girlfriends. "They go into the man's bedroom. They go into the man's most private life. Where is the crime scene?" Agnifilo said. Rapper, entrepreneur and criminal defendant ADVERTISEMENT Combs was at the centre of the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop battles of the 1990s and became one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades, diversifying his interests with the Sean John fashion label, Ciroc vodka, a cable TV channel and a film and TV studio. In 2001, Combs was at the centre of one of the biggest hip-hop trials of its era, stemming from a Manhattan nightclub shooting that injured three people in 1999. Combs was acquitted of charges that he took an illegal gun into the club and tried to bribe his driver to take the fall. His career recovered quickly that time. Combs' reputation may have suffered irreparable damage, though, after Cassie sued him in November 2023, alleging years of sexual and physical abuse. He settled the next day for US$20 million, but more lawsuits by other women and men followed. Most are still pending. Diddy: In Plain Sight is now screening on TVNZ+
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
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Time allows winemakers to further hone their craft
Rockburn winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis. Photo: supplied In my view, one of the strengths of the Central Otago wine scene has been the longevity of involvement of so many of its winemakers. Time has allowed them to hone their craft as they seek incremental improvements through a deeper understanding of the fruit that Central Otago produces, while also nurturing the bounty of ever-increasing vine age. A quick head count of winemakers that have completed 20 vintages easily surpassed double figures and I'm certain there are others who are either on the cusp or have already surpassed that mark. A small handful have gone past 25 vintages, while the redoubtable Alan Brady's involvement just goes on and on. The arrival of a group of wines from Rockburn recently reminded me that the 2025 vintage saw their winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis join that merry band in the 20+ club. Congratulations Malcolm on the achievement. New wine bars in Dunedin Having had Piccolo wine bar open in St Clair recently, a heads-up for wine enthusiasts that a new wine bar opened its doors over Matariki weekend. "The Cellar" is situated at 4 Hanover St and is opening Thursdays to Sundays from afternoon till late. Run by Colin and Jackie, this is a welcome addition to the Dunedin wine scene. Science festival wine events I spotted this late in the piece but the NZ International Science Festival (NZISF) has events for grown-ups too this week. Two that caught my eye are Sonic Sommellerie: A Multisensory Wine Odyssey — "a journey through the senses with Dr Jo Burzynska, discovering how different sounds and environments can change the taste of wine". Also: Getting the Measure of Alcohol — "what is alcohol and how and why do we measure it?" Held at Vault 21 and Dunedin Craft Distillers respectively, you'll find all the details on the NZISF website. Decanter World Wine Awards Results are just out and Central Otago secured gold medals for the 2024 McArthur Ridge Falls Dam Pinot Gris, the 2022 Te Kano Northburn Pinot Noir and the NV Mumm Blanc de Noirs. The 2023 McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir secured a Platinum award but is now sold out domestically. The NZ Best in Show Pinot Noir Award went to the 2024 Craggy Range Martinborough Pinot Noir. 2023 Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir RRP $49 Price Rating Excellent Sweetly perfumed, contrasted by a dusty/lead pencil quality, savoury notes join the mix, flecks of herb, a leafy/snow-pea-like aspect. Ripe, generous, fills the mouth, has central Otago classicism writ large on it. Bright acidity gives freshness, now dark cherry. There's crowd pleasing sheer drinkability yet complexity and depth for added interest. 2023 Rockburn Seven Barrels Dick Bunton Vineyard Gibbston Pinot Noir RRP $99 Price Rating Outstanding A sense of elegance and refinement, swelling in the glass. Cherry, cranberry, a gently savoury undercurrent backed by schist aspects. Lovely tension, not at all showy, but built on elegance and structure. A sense of ethereality, a lighter frame but far from underpowered, you have to come to this but it rewards you. The nose really grows with air, wonderful precision and linearity. 2023 Rockburn Eleven Barrels Parkburn Vineyard Gibbston Pinot Noir RRP $99 Price Rating Excellent to Outstanding Herbal influences, flashes of mint and eucalypt appear for a moment, subtlety, refinement, perfume grows, sweet fruit, toast/pencil shavings, biscuity aspects. Flavour depth clear to see, ripe yet dry, oak seasoning, it becomes clearer that this is a bigger boy than first thought, the tannins show their mettle, richly fruited, earthy humus, dusty characters, the power evident now.
