Legendary BAFTA-winning New Zealand movie producer John Barnett died on Sunday, aged 80.
As a New Zealand native with a passion for storytelling, I embarked on my professional journey back in 1973. Over time, I was fortunate enough to lead one of the country’s biggest production houses, South Pacific Pictures, from 1992 until 2015.
Over the course of an illustrious career, this seasoned professional was responsible for creating many of New Zealand’s highest praised productions, with the Academy Award-nominated film “Whale Rider” from 2002 being among them.
In addition, he directed the 1986 animated movie titled Footrot Flats, and served as the executive producer for New Zealand’s longest-running soap opera, Shortland Street.
Throughout the 90s and the early 2000s, Endeavour Ventures consistently worked on producing both domestic and foreign-based movies and television shows.
2019 found me honored with the title of Companion in the New Zealand Order of Merit, all thanks to my dedication and contributions to the magical worlds I’ve helped create through film and television.
Frequently, he would point out that his contribution to the trailblazing movie “Whale Rider,” featuring Cliff Curtis from Avatar, was among his greatest sources of pride.
In 2003, the highly praised movie brought him a BAFTA Award, and it also received an Academy Award nomination for its leading actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes. Furthermore, this film generated over $40 million globally in box office sales.
In the year 2006, Barnett received a nomination for a New Zealand Screen Award, recognizing his contribution to the popular comedy film “Sione’s Wedding,” which featured Robbie Magasiva, known for his role in “The Lord of the Rings.
The production company owned by him, South Pacific Pictures, was responsible for producing the hit 1999 film “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?”, which served as a sequel to “Once Were Warriors.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Barnett.
This individual played a crucial role and showed great enthusiasm for New Zealand’s film industry. Many are saddened by his absence.
In casual, clear language, the sentence could be rephrased as follows: “He’s one of the down-to-earth individuals in the movie industry.” Another person then chimed in, agreeing with this assessment.
‘He was a nice man who gave very helpful advice,’ a third chipped in.
Apart from the blockbuster hits he produced, Barnett gained recognition for supporting endeavors that highlighted New Zealand’s Māori, Pacific Islander, and Asian populations.
Or simply:
Barnett was not only known for his box-office triumphs but also acclaimed for promoting projects reflecting New Zealand’s Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities.
He also established the Sundance Channel – now Rialto – the country’s first arthouse film station.
The Cleaner,” which features Elizabeth Hawthorne, known for her roles in “The Chronicles of Narnia.
Barnett’s influence on New Zealand cinema and television was profound.
His legacy continues to shape the film and television industry in New Zealand and beyond.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- PUBG Mobile or BGMI A16 Royale Pass Leaks: Upcoming skins and rewards
- Mobile Legends November 2025 Leaks: Upcoming new heroes, skins, events and more
- Clash Royale Season 77 “When Hogs Fly” November 2025 Update and Balance Changes
- Zack Snyder’s ‘Sucker Punch’ Finds a New Streaming Home
- The John Wick spinoff ‘Ballerina’ slays with style, but its dialogue has two left feet
- Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler – En Gvenilir Bahis Siteleri 2025.4338
- Tom Cruise’s Emotional Victory Lap in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
- Kingdom Rush Battles Tower Tier List
- Clash Royale November 2025: Events, Challenges, Tournaments, and Rewards
2025-08-26 03:05