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Episode Structure

The Journey Home: Tuna Migration and Human Connection

Witnessing the extraordinary natural migration cycles of tuna and exploring the deep bonds between people and this species, from intimate individual relationships built over generations to community efforts that support these remarkable fish and their ancient pathways.

Contributing Experts:

• Vanessa Tipoki - Tuna caretaker and advocate (expert input)

• Sam Ludden - Artist & cultural practitioner, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa

• Matt Paku - Former commercial eel fisher, cultural knowledge holder, Sam's uncle

• Zetta Karena & son Lennix - Site access to creek

• [Additional experts to be confirmed based on specific locations and programmes]

References:

[More to be added based on available research]

• Documentary Film makers & Film Productions. Watch Documentaries Online

Episode Summary

The episode follows Jamie's journey into the Wairarapa to explore the deep bonds between people and tuna across generations. Beginning at Sam Ludden's pottery studio, Jamie is invited to create a tuna sculpture, learning how Sam captures the movement and life of these ancient fish through his art. Sam reveals how his passion stems from childhood memories of fishing for tuna with his uncle Matt, and how he now works to restore their habitats and inspire others through his pottery. Curious to see real tuna, Jamie and Sam travel to a local creek to meet uncle Matt. In the shallow waters, they observe tuna swimming with the graceful movements Sam recreates in clay. Matt shares stories of his life as a commercial tuna fisher, the differences between long-fin and short-fin tuna, and his hopes that populations will return to what they once were. Sam reflects on the connection between healthy tuna and healthy communities - "if the eels are healthy, we are healthy." Through art, restoration work, and community engagement, the episode reveals how traditional knowledge and childhood inspiration transform into action that protects these remarkable fish and the waterways they need to survive.

INTRODUCTION

Jamie arrives at Sam's pottery studio

Scene: Meeting Sam and making pottery together

• Jamie arrives at the studio

• Sam welcomes Jamie and invites him to create a tuna sculpture

• Working with clay together at the pottery table

• Sam demonstrates his technique - the curves, movements, how to make tuna look alive

• Sam explains where his passion for making tuna pottery comes from

• How he developed these techniques over years

• Why tuna are so important to represent through art

Scene: Sam shares his broader story

• Growing up fishing for tuna with uncle Matt

• Learning about waterways from a young age

• How those childhood experiences shaped his life's work

• His current work restoring tuna habitats

• Using art to inspire others to care about waterways and tuna

• Community work: organizing activities to introduce kids to tuna and local waterways

ACT 1 - JOURNEY TO THE CREEK

Leaving the studio to see real tuna

Scene: In Sam's truck - traveling to the creek

• Jamie and Sam leave the studio, get in truck

• Sam explains where they're going and why tuna can be found there

• Brief conversation about the activities Sam organizes with the community

• Getting kids to learn about and connect with their local waterways

• Building anticipation to meet uncle Matt and see real tuna

B-roll throughout:

• Drone footage of the area

• Truck driving to site

• Exterior of Sam's studio

• Wairarapa landscape

• Creek and surroundings from above

ACT 2 - AT THE CREEK WITH UNCLE MATT

Discovering tuna in their natural habitat

Scene: Arrival and meeting Matt

• Arriving at the creek

• Jamie meets uncle Matt

• Walking to the water's edge together

Scene: Observing tuna in shallow waters

• Finding tuna swimming in the creek

• Sam shows Jamie the types of movements tuna make

• Jamie sees the connection between the real movements and Sam's pottery

• Close observation of tuna behavior in the water

Scene: Matt shares his knowledge and stories

• Matt explains the differences between long-fin and short-fin tuna

• Stories about his life as a commercial tuna fisher

• What fishing was like in his time

• How things have changed over the years

• His hope that tuna numbers will return to what they once were

• Matt still enjoys coming to "visit" the tuna

Scene: Sam's reflections on waterway health

• Sam shares concerns about the health of local waterways

• "If the eels are healthy, we are healthy" - connection between tuna and community wellbeing

• Matt's influence on Sam growing up - learning so much from him

• Sam taking on the role of protecting these fish

• The importance of rivers, lakes, and streams for tuna survival

B-roll throughout:

• Walking to the creek

• Creek surroundings and habitat

• Tuna in shallow water (close-ups and wide shots)

• Riparian environment

• Water flowing

• The three of them observing together

CONCLUSION

Looking to the future

Scene: Sam back in his studio

• Sam in his studio, looking at finished tuna pottery pieces

• Contemplative moment connecting art to conservation

Voice-over reflections:

• Matt's hopes for the future: What he hopes for future generations, how Sam carries forward that knowledge and passion through his art and restoration work

• Sam's vision: What he hopes to achieve through restoration, community education, and using art to inspire people to care about tuna and waterways

• Jamie's final reflection: Connections between generations, species, and place - how childhood inspiration becomes lifelong dedication to protection

B-roll throughout:

• Sam's pottery pieces (various angles)

• Studio atmosphere

• Finished tuna artwork showing movement and life

• Creek flowing (callback to earlier scenes)

• Final drone shot of waterways

FILMING LOCATIONS & SCENES

Sam's pottery studio

• Initial meeting and pottery-making session

• Final scene with finished art pieces

In Sam's truck

• Traveling to creek, brief conversation about destination and community work

Creek/stream

• Meeting Matt

• Observing tuna in shallow water

• Conversations about tuna, fishing history, waterway health, and hopes for future

General B-roll locations

• Wairarapa landscape (drone)

• Creek and surroundings (drone and ground)

• Studio exterior

• Truck driving through landscape

• Riparian environment and water details

KEY PEOPLE

Sam Ludden - Artist & cultural practitioner, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, leading restoration and community education

Matt Paku - Former commercial tuna fisher, cultural knowledge holder, Sam's uncle

Jamie McCaskill - Presenter

TIMING NOTES (for ~20 minute episode)

Introduction - Sam's studio (6-8 minutes):

• Meeting and pottery-making together

• Sam explaining his art, techniques, passion

• Broader story: love of tuna and local waterways, community engagement

Act 1 - Truck journey (1-2 minutes):

• Brief conversation setting up destination to see tuna and meet Matt

• Childhood with Matt,

• Building anticipation

• B-roll with voiceover

Act 2 - Creek with Matt (8-10 minutes):

• Meeting Matt

• Observing tuna together

• Matt's stories and knowledge (long-fin vs short-fin, commercial fishing, changes over time, his relationship with his nephew Sam)

• Sam's reflections on waterway health and Matt's influence

• Connection between healthy tuna and healthy communities (Sam’s quote: “if the eels are healthy, we are healthy”)

Conclusion - Back to studio (2-3 minutes):

• Sam with finished pottery

• Matt's voice-over: hopes for future

• Sam's voice-over: vision for restoration and using art to inspire

• Jamie's final reflection

• General b-roll