The Black Robin: A Chatham Island Story
This classic film from 1990 is a a compilation of three documentaries, Black Robin, Seven Black Robins and The Robin's Return which were the founding films upon which the formation of NHNZ (formerly TVNZ's Natural History Unit) was based. When Europeans first arrived on the Chatham Islands the black robin (Petroica traversi) was relatively widespread. But in the all too familiar pattern, its numbers dwindled as European settlement progressed. By late last century it had become restricted to a bleak pocket-handkerchief of stunted forest on top of Little Mangere Island. Here it struggled with its impoverished habitat, until by 1972 there were only 18 individuals left. Just three years later the numbers had dropped to nine. The black robin, it seemed, was facing certain extinction. In 1976 a team from the Wildlife Service led by Don Merton launched a daring and remarkable rescue attempt.
Primary Title
- The Black Robin: A Chatham Island Story
Date Broadcast
- Friday 10 April 2009
Start Time
- 22 : 28
Finish Time
- 23 : 28
Duration
- 60:00
Channel
- TVNZ 7
Broadcaster
- Television New Zealand
Programme Description
- This classic film from 1990 is a a compilation of three documentaries, Black Robin, Seven Black Robins and The Robin's Return which were the founding films upon which the formation of NHNZ (formerly TVNZ's Natural History Unit) was based. When Europeans first arrived on the Chatham Islands the black robin (Petroica traversi) was relatively widespread. But in the all too familiar pattern, its numbers dwindled as European settlement progressed. By late last century it had become restricted to a bleak pocket-handkerchief of stunted forest on top of Little Mangere Island. Here it struggled with its impoverished habitat, until by 1972 there were only 18 individuals left. Just three years later the numbers had dropped to nine. The black robin, it seemed, was facing certain extinction. In 1976 a team from the Wildlife Service led by Don Merton launched a daring and remarkable rescue attempt.
Classification
- G
Owning Collection
- Television Vault
Broadcast Platform
- Television
Languages
- English
Captions
Live Broadcast
- No
Rights Statement
- Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Subjects
- Chatham Island robin
- Birds, Protection of--New Zealand--Chatham Islands.
- Rare birds--New Zealand--Chatham Islands.
Genres
- Animals
- Documentary
- Nature
Hosts
- Peter Hayden (Narrator)
Contributors
- Rod Morris (Director)
- Rod Morris (Producer)
- Richard Thomas (Writer)
- Natural History New Zealand Ltd (Production Unit)
Subjects
- Chatham Island robin
- Birds, Protection of--New Zealand--Chatham Islands.
- Rare birds--New Zealand--Chatham Islands.