Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance Recommended for Younger Viewers)
Content warning: This documentary explores themes around mental health.
When a mother of ten returns nightly to the old family home to feed stray cats, her son questions its connection to the death of his brother.
A 66-year-old mother has an unusual ritual of returning to her old family home to care for stray cats. Worrying about the implications of her obsessive routine, her son wants to understand why. Joining her night rides, it’s time to unravel the truth.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)
- Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Photo: Peter Simpson
Photo: Peter Simpson
Photo: Todd Karehana
Team Bios
Todd Karehana (Director)
Todd Karehana Photo: Supplied
Todd Karehana (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana) is an emerging director with a passion for making bold, innovative work for underserved communities.
He has worked in various roles at Kura Productions, Pango Productions and Piki Films. He was a storyliner, writer and script editor on Māori Television’s premium drama series ‘Ahikāroa’.
He was also a storyliner and co-writer on children’s animated series ‘The Exceptional Squad’ for Hei Hei and provided writing support on the indigenous anthology feature film ‘Nga Pouwhenua’. Most recently, he directed an episode of the ‘Young And...’ series for TVNZ.
Samantha Dutton (Producer)
Samantha Dutton Photo: Supplied
Samantha Dutton is a South African-born, Auckland-based producer whose work is informed by the female gaze and underrepresented human stories.
She has collaborated with Candlelit Pictures to produce Daisy Lawless’s short documentary ‘Edith Gibson Has 3000 Dolls’ which had its New Zealand premiere at Doc Edge Film Festival.
She has co-produced two shorts funded by the New Zealand Film Commission’s Catalyst He Kauahi, Rachel Ross's ‘Green’ and Stephen Kang’s horror film ‘Breathe’. Her latest project is ‘Young and on the Paepae’, an episode of the ‘Young and...’ series for TVNZ.
Night Ride is part of a collection of eight Loading Docs short documentaries.
Photo: Supplied
