THE AMAZING DOLPHIN OF OPONONI

Rights Information
Year
1956
Reference
F10243
Media type
Moving image
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Rights Information
Year
1956
Reference
F10243
Media type
Moving image
Place of production
New Zealand/Aotearoa
Categories
Short
Duration
0:09:17
Production company
Hayward Film Productions
Taonga Māori Collection
Yes
Credits
Photography: Rudall Hayward
Commentary: Athol Coates

Discusses a brief history of the Hokianga; its discovery, settlement and timber and kauri gum resources. Kupe arrives here as does Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompalier.
Mr W. Bryers, retired harbour master reviews the scene of eleven tragic wrecks on the Hokianga Bar.
At Christmas, 1955, the gay dolphin Opo came onshore at Opononi, once again drawing visitors to the area. With the crowds came traffic jams and the first traffic officers in years.
Opo delighted the tourists, but not Gwenny, the little girl whose ball Opo borrowed to play water polo.
Features retired wrestling champ, Lofty Bloomfeld.