Eyewitness

The moments that made us who we are as described by the people who were there.

Hosted and produced by Justin Gregory and Sonia Yee

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Face-off with a Great White

Is this what it's like to die? This was one of the thoughts drifting through sixteen year old Barry Watkins mind as he clung on to the edge of his brand new surfboard. In a story of terror and survival Barry recalls what it was like to come face-to-face with a great white - the fifth shark attack in Dunedin history.
Barry Watkins pictured with his broken surfboard after the shark attack

Sir Bryan Williams - altering rugby history

Rugby legend Sir Bryan Williams made All Blacks rugby history as the first player of Pasifika blood to play in Apartheid-era South Africa in the early 1970s. He talks to Sonia Yee about the cultural obstacles and challenges heading into the three-month tour, what it meant for Black South Africans and why he's advocating for Pasifika players today through Moana Pasifika.
Bryan Williams made rugby history

Inside the Controversial North Beach Zoo

Not much is known of the suburban zoo that was once situated in Christchurch's North Beach. But those who visited recall eyeing up a mysterious crocodile in a small glass enclosure. In this episode of Eyewitness, Sonia Yee uncovers some myths, and finds out why it has left many with a mix of wonder and bewilderment.
Bill Grey, left with Suzy the lion.

When the dress made the woman

At a time when women were embracing their femininity after the war years, Barbara Herrick wanted to change the way women felt about themselves through fashion. She speaks to Sonia Yee about Dior's New Look that took the world by storm, carving a path in Auckland's high-end fashion scene with her label, Babs Radon. And shares what it was like to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at The New Zealand Wool Awards.
Babs Radon Wellington parade for Australian fashion buyers, 1963. PM Keith Holyoake can be seen smoking in the background.

The Wizard: A Living Work of Art

Little is known about The Wizard of New Zealand who took centre stage in Christchurch's Cathedral Square from the 70s until the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011, which saw the city in a state of disrepair. A man who challenged political, social and cultural ideology, The Wizard posed provocative questions in this public space, much to the delight, and sometimes dismay, of passersby. But the background to why The Wizard was there in the first place has been something of a mystery... until now. Sonia Yee finds out more in this episode of Eyewitness.
The Wizard of New Zealand has an online presence.

Radio Dunedin - One of the oldest stations in the world

This year marks 100 years since the first radio transmission in New Zealand and the man behind it is also responsible for laying the foundation for the oldest radio station in the country - Radio Dunedin. Sonia Yee finds out why Radio Dunedin couldn't broadcast the weather during World War 2, and more...
Gordon Paine second from the right (front) next to presenter Aunt Josie.

NZ's Longest Running Children's Show - What Now

What Now is New Zealand's most successful and longest running children's television show and this year celebrated 40 years. Rex Simpson who founded it says it was a platform to grow new talent, and a place where kids were encouraged to get off the couch.
What Now launched in 1981.

There's Nothing Romantic About Pitcairn

It was the spirit of adventure that took teacher, Tony Washington and his family to Pitcairn Island. One of the most isolated communities in the world, Pitcairn is just over five-and-a-half thousand kilometres from Christchurch. From an outsider's perspective, it looks idyllic but was it the adventure Tony and his family expected? Find out more in this episode produced and presented by Sonia Yee.
Pitcairn school room, 1991.

New Zealand's most iconic ad: The Great Crunchie Train Robbery

In this episode of Eyewitness Sonia Yee takes a look at why The Great Crunchie Train Robbery was a runaway success at a time when the advertising industry hit a turning point.
The Great Crunchie Train Robbery was an ad like no other.

The ‘49ers

An epic train journey for a game of rugby marks the end of an era. Produced by Julie Benjamin
George Smallholme scoring the first of Buller's two tries.

Megan Compain: Making History in Women’s Basketball

Basketball has taken Whanganui born and raised, Megan Compain all over the world, including competing in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. But she also made history as the youngest player (and the only New Zealander) to be selected for the Women's National Basketball Association or WNBA - the counterpart to the NBA in the United States. It’s 25 years since the WNBA was established and along the way, Megan also had her fair share of interactions with some legendary players...and Kobe Bryant was one of them.
Megan competing in the Sydney 2000 games, photographed for a newspaper article.

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