Great Voice of Stories

New Zealand scriptwriter Graeme Tetley, whose body of work included films Vigil, Ruby & Rata, Bread and Roses and the Aramoana depiction Out of the Blue, has died in Wellington, aged 69. A script writer for over 25 years, Tetley began his film writing career as co-writer on Vigil with director Vincent Ward. It won them the 1986 NZ Film & Television Award for Best Original Screenplay in Film. New Zealand Film Commission chief executive Graeme Mason said Tetley was “not only a great voice of New Zealand stories of his own but also wonderful at helping others to find theirs. He will be greatly missed.” Tetley was raised in Havelock North. At the time of his death, Tetley was collaborating on a number of film projects. His play Riverside Drive will make its premiere next month at Wanaka’s Festival of Colour.

Graeme Tetley: died March 13 2011