crownmedia

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About us

Welcome Crown Media, a multi-media production company that has produced over 30 television documentaries. Crown Media is a family business and we have been working in television and music for over 20 years. We love what we do. Creativity is our lifelong passion.

Whatever your needs are, we have the expertise to turn concepts into reality, and everything we do with commitment and integrity because it is important to us.

Please contact us, we would like to hear your story, and your dream, your vision. Let us create for you.

Ngā mihi mahana

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Documentary - Unsung Heroes

Telling stories and passing on knowledge are fundamental practices in Māori culture. As part of our heritage, we were excited to be able to use video and film to be able to continue this in the modern world.

In 2009, Crown Music embarked on a journey to produce a documentary series to pay homage to a special group of overlooked musicians and entertainers in New Zealand history. We called them The Unsung Heroes of Māori Music.

This was a passion project that was dear to our hearts as we wanted to record their stories and experiences to not only provide them the acknowledgement they deserved, but also pass on this knowledge to the younger generations of Māori and Pākeha for inspiration and education.

It was a successful venture, earning lifelong friends and unforgettable experiences around the world. It was a prime-time show for 3 seasons running on Māori Television, a national broadcaster.

In recent years, many of the people we filmed has since passed on, making this an even more important, and in many cases the only surviving video archive of these wonderful people.

Thank to all of those involved, from family and friends and crew members.

Ngā mihi nui koutou katoa

Unsung Heroes of Māori Music Series 1

Māori Television (2010)

Series 1 investigates the history of modern Māori music. From the introduction of Western instruments with the brass bands of the 1900's, to the early pioneers in entertainment, and the birth of the world famous Māori showbands, and beyond.

Watch Series 1

Unsung Heroes of Māori Music Series 2

Māori Television (2011)

Series 2 continues the journey through Māori music history to the 70s, and 80s, and 90s showing the progression from showbands to the live music scene, to recording artists, and TV entertainers.

Watch Series 2

Unsung Heroes of Māori Music Series 3

Māori Television (2012)

Series 3 expans even further to the artists of today and also their influences. The evolution of Māori entertainers can been seen as they make the way in the modern climate. A bright future emerges as this generation continues to make a pathway for the next.

Watch Series 3

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