The Te Kooti Trail

[3] This silent film is described as New Zealand's first docudrama and was created by husband and wife team Rudall and Hilda Hayward.

The film censor had arranged special screenings for key Māori to view it in advance of a general release to ensure it did not cause offence.

[8] Some scenes were filmed on location in the same places as the historical events they were depicting in Whakatāne and Te Urewera.

Edwards also says that The Te Kooti Trail was 'New Zealand’s first significant docudrama' and acknowledges the quality storytelling and camera work of director and cinematographer Rudall Hayward.

[3][10] The restored print premiered at Le Giornate del Cinema Muto, Italy in 2001, celebrating Rudall Hayward's centenary.