Kaitangata Twitch (ATOM Study Guide)

Adapted for television from Margaret Mahy's book of the same name, Kaitangata Twitch is a thirteen-episode television series created in New Zealand (Aotearoa). A thrilling contemporary story for a variety of audiences, this series uses live action and CGI to give life to a magical-realist myth. An entertaining drama for children and adults, Kaitangata Twitch also invites audiences to consider serious social and political issues. The series was commissioned by Maori Television, produced by Production Shed.TV Ltd and supported by New Zealand On Air and Te Mangai Paho, and has since been sold to Sweden, Canada and ABC TV in Australia.

Synopsis

In pre-European New Zealand, the tiny Island of Kaitangata was the scene of awful happenings.

After that, the Island seemed to have a life of its own. It dreamt terrible dreams. The local tribe knew it was best to leave it alone.

And so the Island slept again. But now Kaitangata is twitching. It's moving. It's waking up!

The last time it moved was over fifty years ago. It twitched. And a girl disappeared without a trace, apparently swallowed up by the Island.

Now it's moving again. Dreaming again. Only twelve-year-old Meredith can stop it. If she can discover what it wants before it's too late.

Before it claims another victim.

Curriculum applicationKaitangata Twitch is an appropriate resource for tertiary and middle school students, and is most ideally suited to senior school students at NZ NCEA levels 2, 3 and 4.

At the tertiary level, it is appropriate for:

• New Zealand History
• Te Reo Maori
• Media Studies
• Politics
• Environmental Studies
• English

At the secondary level, it is appropriate for:

• Media Studies
• Maori Geography
• History –The Treaty of Waitangi and Maori–Pakeha relations
• Te Reo Maori
• English
• Social Studies