Paul Maunder

Paul Maunder (born 8 February 1945) is a film director, playwright and "cultural activist" from New Zealand. He is best known for his 1979 film of the Albert Wendt novel Sons For the Return Home, and his 1983 play Hemi, about the life of James K. Baxter.

Biography

Maunder was born in Palmerston North and attended Palmerston North Boys' High School.[1] He studied at Victoria University of Wellington, the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and the London Film School.[2] He received a doctorate in Theatre and Film Studies from the University of Canterbury.

Returning to New Zealand, Maunder worked for the state-owned National Film Unit. In addition to directing a number of the documentaries the unit was best known for, he directed three drama productions which were screened on television: Gone up North for a While, One Of Those People That Live In The World and Landfall (the film debut of Sam Neill).

In 1971, Maunder formed Amamus theatre troupe in Wellington, staging protest plays.[3]

He played one first-class cricket match for Central Districts in the 1961-62 season.[4]

Paul Maunder currently lives in the small town of Blackball on the West Coast.

Filmography

Plays

Most of Maunder's plays are on subjects related to politics, class, activism or the history of the labour movement.

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

References