A true artist in the world of documentary filmmaking, Gerard has spent decades helping to shape the landscape of New Zealand on screen, bringing powerful stories to life through his lens, vision and voice. Gerard’s work is synonymous with authenticity and a deep commitment to storytelling. He has an extraordinary ability to capture the essence of the human experience, drawing audiences into the very heart of the narrative.

Gerard has been producing, directing, writing and shooting documentaries for over thirty years. He has recorded works in Africa, India, England, USA, Australia, Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

With a career spanning numerous critically acclaimed documentaries and films, Gerard has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft. His dedication to exploring New Zealand’s social and cultural fabric is evident in works such as When a City Falls, a poignant and moving documentary that chronicles the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. This film, like many of Gerard's projects, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to giving voice to the stories that need to be told, and his remarkable ability to do so with both sensitivity and honesty.

As this year’s winner of the St Bede’s College Cultural Award we recognise his outstanding contributions to New Zealand film alongside Gerard’s enduring impact on the cultural landscape of New Zealand. His work stands as a testament to the power of film to inspire, challenge, and connect us all.

It was wonderful to have Gerard in attendance to receive his award at the Old Boys' Annual Dinner on Saturday 10 August. He tells us..

I’m surprised how much getting the award has meant to me. As somebody with God-given skills in the arts, and little else, my time at Saint Bedes all those years ago, was spectacularly unsuccessful. I was probably the most anonymous pupil ever. The curriculum and those days did not include fine arts, nor theatre nor of course anything to do with visual storytelling, my trade.
However I’ve learned that St Bedes today is a very different place where the arts flourish and where there is respect for such practice.
And so to return after all those years, to be acknowledged for my skills, and to observe how the school has grown, was indeed a pleasure. God bless St Bedes!

Congratulations, Gerard, on this well-deserved recognition. Your vision, passion, and artistry have made St Bede’s proud, enriched New Zealand cinema and left an indelible mark on the world stage.

Gerard’s Filmography

2021. When a City Rises. Feature Documentary. Producer/Director/Cinematographer. NZOA/NZFC funded. TV One 14.2.21.

2019/20. Nine Bullets. NZOA Funded for Stuff. 7 part series. Producer/Director/Cinematographer..

2018-2021 Frank- Changing South.

3 series x22parts. Internet documentaries.

NZOA funded. Distributed Stuff, RNZ, NZ Herald, Frank.

2016-17- Christchurch Dilemmas.

2 seriesx18 parts internet docs NZOA funded. Winner Special Journalism Award, Aus/NZ Mental Health Awards.

2014. Aunty and the Star People. 82” Feature Documentary. 2014 NZ Film Festival. MTV. 2015 Chennai Film Festival. Producer/Director/Cinematographer. Finalist Best Director/Best Cinematography. 2014 NZ Film Awards.

2013-2014. Christchurch From The Streets. 2x6 part series about the ChCh Rebuild. For TVNZ, CTV, MaoriTV. Producer/Director/Cinematographer/Interviewer.

2011. When A City Falls 106” Feature Documentary. Christchurch earthquakes. NZ Cinema release. TV3. Producer/ Director/Cinematographer. Best Director/ Best Editing Documentary NZ Film Awards 2012. “ Voted top 10 ’Best of the Fest’ 2012 Melbourne Film Festival.

2010; – Pounamu The Stone in our Bones. 44” Documentary TVNZ, Artsville. Producer, Director, Cameraman.

2008; Barefoot Cinema. The Life and Work of Cinematographer Alun Bollinger. 74 minute feature documentary. Producer, Director, Interviewer, Cameraman (shared). TVNZ. 2008 NZ Film Festival. Finalist ‘Best Documentary’ 2009 Qantas NZ Television Awards.

2004; Out of Sight, Out of Mind. 1 hour Last days in an institution for the disabled. TVNZ. Producer, Director, Writer, Cameraman. Finalist Qantas “Best documentary” NZ TV Awards.

1998-2004; Inside Out. 60x half hour documentaries about disability TVNZ. Producer, Director, Interviewer, Cameraman (shared).

2002; Out on a Limb. 1 hour documentary about Indian earthquake. TVNZ, Discovery Channel Australia.Finalist 2003 NZ Media Peace Awards.Writer, Director, Cameraman.

1996; Out of Sight. Eugenics. 1 hour documentary.Producer, Director, Cameraman.1996 NZ Film Festival.

1995; Sonya’s Story. 1xhalf hour documentary. Young woman’s last days. Prime time Netherlands Public Broadcasting. Co-Producer, Director, Cameraman. “Best Documentary” (1996) London CEVMA Film Festival. Option in USA schools curriculum.

1985; One Day for Africa.1hour documentary for TVNZ. Producer, Director, Cameraman (shared) Ethiopian Famine.

In this issue

Invitation: Sydney and Perth After 5s