Connected Waters

DRAFT IN PROGRESS

Episode Structure

Reading the River: From Fishing Lines to Lifelines

"On the rivers of Aotearoa, an introduced species has become woven into the fabric of our communities. This is a story of unexpected kaitiaki - how an introduced species created a community of guardians for our rivers and all who swim beneath their surface."

Episode Summary:

The episode follows Jamie's journey learning to fly fish with two expert female anglers, Cherry and Marion, on the Tongariro River. While fishing, they explore the paradox of trout as both an introduced pest and a beloved species that creates water quality guardians. Unable to catch anything at the river but witnessing children learning to cast alongside them, Jamie discovers that fishing is about connection to waterways and community. The story moves to the Tongariro National Trout Centre where teenager Tohu demonstrates filleting techniques while sharing how he brings kai home to his mum, and Marion prepares perfectly smoked trout. As everyone gathers to taste the fish, Marion reveals she doesn't even eat trout but catches them to give away, highlighting how this introduced species has created unexpected kaitiaki for New Zealand's rivers. Through patient teaching and shared traditions, the episode reveals how caring for one species leads to protecting entire watersheds, transforming anglers into guardians who monitor water quality and advocate for river health.

Contributing experts:

• Jane Kitson - Researcher, company director (Kitson Consulting Ltd), co-author of relational values research on introduced trout

• Calum MacNeil - Freshwater and invasion ecologist

• Robin Holmes - Freshwater ecologist

• Angus McIntosh - Freshwater ecologist

• Bevin Severinsen - Chief Executive Officer, Tongariro National Trout Centre

• Sarah Cunnington - Aquarium and Hatchery Manager, Tongariro National Trout Centre

• Clint Green - Freshwater educator, Tongariro National Trout Centre

• Doug Stevens - Owner, nzfishing.com

• Mark Venman - Senior Ranger DOC Fisheries

• Cherry Twaddle - Keen angler

• Marion Hall - Keen angler

• Tohu Hepi - Keen angler and staff, Tongariro National Trout Centre

• Courtney Marshall - Senior Administrator & Permissions, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board (contact for authorized accesses to the river: day 1 = 17 Nov 2025 Red Hut bridge drone+b-roll and Major Jones bridge drone+b-roll, day 2 TBD, day 3 TBD)

• Peter Shepherd [TBC] - Natural Resources Manager, Tūwharetoa

References:

• Jellyman, P.G. et al. (2018). The Effects of Brown Trout on the Trophic Webs of New Zealand Streams. In: Brown Trout: Biology, Ecology and Management. Chapter 22.

• Tadaki, M. et al. (2022). Understanding divergent perspectives on introduced trout in Aotearoa: a relational values approach. Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online, 17:4, 461-478.

• Lobón‐Cerviá, Javier (2017). Princess of the Streams: The Brown Trout Salmo trutta L. as Aquatic Royalty.

• Protecting the habitat of trout and salmon — Wai Good Policy

Filming locations:

• Tongariro National Trout Centre (aquariums and spawning stream - authorization to film granted)

• Tongariro river (authorization to film granted)

• TALTAC Tongariro & Lake Taupo Anglers club (TBC)

  Introduction

  The Paradox of Protection

  Opening Sequence:

  • Drone footage over the Tongariro River

  • Slow-motion shots of fly fishing on the river

  • Underwater footage of trout swimming

  • Jamie's opening: "Today I'm meeting two women who know this river like family. They're going to teach me fly fishing, but I suspect I'll learn about much more than catching fish."

  Act 1

  River Lessons

  Meeting at Major Jones Bridge:

  • Arrival: Jamie’s initial reflections while heading to the meeting place

  • The Welcome: Marion and Cherry greeting Jamie near the bridge

  • Down to Breakfast Pool: Walking together to the fishing spot

  • First Lesson: Cherry demonstrates casting technique

  • Jamie's Attempts: Struggling with rhythm, Marion patiently adjusting his grip

  Learning While Fishing:

  • Fly Selection: Marion showing different flies - "This time of year, we use..."

  • Reading Water: Cherry pointing out where trout hold - deep pools, current breaks

  • The Paradox Discussion: While casting, discussing trout as introduced species

  • Historical Context: "The hatchery opened in 1926..." (cut to archival images)

  • Native Species Impact: Mentioning galaxiids and kōkopu (cut to aquarium footage we have)

  • Water Quality: How trout indicate healthy rivers

  • Spawning Stream: Cherry describing the crystal-clear breeding waters

  Community on the River:

  • Others Arrive: More anglers coming down to fish

  • Kids Joining: Children arriving with parents, excited to try

  • Generations Learning: Watching kids get their first casting lessons

  • No Fish Today: Jamie laughing about his fishless morning

  • Invitation Extended: "Come see where these fish begin their journey"

  Act 2

  From River to Table

  Arrival at Trout Centre:

  • Transition: The group heading to the Centre

  • Spawning Stream: Seeing the abundance Cherry described

  • Quick Context: The hatchery's role since 1926

  Meeting Tohu:

  • Introduction: Tohu ready with fish for demonstration

  • Filleting Lesson: Tohu expertly showing Jamie the technique

  • His Story: "I've been fishing for [X] years, love bringing trout home to Mum"

  • Pride in Provision: How fishing connects him to family

  The Smoker:

  • The Setup: Marion shows Jamie how to get the smoker ready

  • Preparation Process: Explaining the smoking technique

  • Anticipation Building: The aroma filling the air

  The Tasting:

  • First Bite: Jamie trying the perfectly smoked trout

  • Surprise: Marion admitting she doesn't eat fish but loves catching them

  • Community Spirit: Everyone sharing different preparation methods

  • Connection Through Food: How trout brings people together

  Act 3

  Reflections by the Water

  Back at the River:

  • Evening Light: Returning to the river as day ends

  • Other Anglers: People still trying for evening rises

  • Quiet Observation: Watching the water flow

  Conclusion

  Rivers Running Through Us All

  Jamie's Final Reflection: "I started this morning not knowing how to hold a fly rod. Marion and Cherry taught me to cast, to read water, to understand the paradox of loving a fish that shouldn't be here.

  At the Trout Centre, I met Tohu - a young man who brings trout home to his mum with pride. Marion showed me how smoke and patience transform a fish into a feast. Marion doesn't even eat what she catches, but she's here every week, teaching, sharing, protecting these waters.

  This introduced species has created something unexpected - a community of guardians. The hatchery that opened in 1926 to stock rivers now educates children. The spawning stream that attracted trout now attracts people who monitor every temperature change, every algae bloom.

  I didn't catch a single fish today. But standing here watching the evening rises, I understand that's not what matters. What matters is that this river has teachers, watchers, protectors - all because of a fish that found its way here from halfway around the world.

  I arrived as a student, I leave as a guardian. Because once you care about one thing in the river, you can't help but care about everything in it."

  Final Shots:

  • Jamie watching the river

  • Silhouettes of anglers against evening sky

  • The river flowing steady and eternal

  • Drone pulling back to show the river winding through landscape

  Key Production Notes

  • Start at river (Major Jones Bridge/Breakfast Pool)

  • All river education happens while fishing

  • Use existing aquarium footage when discussing native species

  • Kids join at river (optional, but nice to have)

  • Tohu only appears at Trout Centre

  • End back at river for reflections

  • Emphasize community and guardianship themes throughout