Sponge bay Scene for Gallipoli Recreation

A production team will be in Gisborne for filming this Saturday 15 November to shoot scenes for an Anzac centennial documentary.

Kahawai Productions are producing the re-enactments as part of preparations for Maori Television’s Anzac day coverage for 2015.

The Sponge Bay location was selected because of the similarities to the cliffs of Gallipoli.

“We will mainly use the cliffs and rocky bay as backdrop,” says production manager Ira Heyder.

Working title ‘Shovels & Guns’ will depict the story of Roger Dansey and fellow Maori officers throughout their World War 1 campaign.

Dansey along with Captain Tahiwi are credited with introducing the haka ‘Ka Mate’ to soldiers fighting on the hills of Gallipoli.

“Filming is scheduled to happen between 11am and 6pm, mainly marching sequences with 6-8 actors dressed as soldiers and a haka sequence,” says Ira Heyder.

“We will be using Lee Enfield rifles, but no ammunition whatsoever will be used.”

Council would like to make people aware of filming taking place at Sponge Bay which will remain accessible to the public for the duration.

ENDS

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