The Lockout

This documentary follows the discovery of a forgotten Waterfront Lockout loyalty card linked to William Inman. Using this card as a gateway to explore one of New Zealand’s most overlooked labour struggles, the documentary utilises personal investigation with historical context to reflect on the government’s suppression of workers and the erasure of their stories.

George Davidson-sims, 

Role: Director

Hi, my name is George and I'm a third-year student at AUT. I have always loved New Zealand history. One way I experience this love is through Op shops and Sunday markets, which is where this documentary came from. 

Talia Fuata,

Role: Cinematographer

Hello! I’m Talia and in my final year of screen. I love visual storytelling, especially stories not many know about, which is why this doco's interests me. I love being behind the camera and the post-production side of film and photography.

Joseph McGee,

Role: Producer

My name is Joseph McGee, and I’m a third-year screen production major at AUT. I originally enrolled to study journalism, with screen production as a secondary major. However, I soon discovered a deep passion for filmmaking. Although my experience in the field may still be limited, AUT’s hands-on framework has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to produce this project to a high standard.

Our funding goal covers several essential costs needed to deliver a high-quality final product. This includes technical equipment such as hard drives and SD cards, ensuring we can shoot efficiently and make the most of our time on location. Furthermore, the remaining funding will go toward transportation, printing, location licensing, and providing meals for our crew.

The film begins with a visual sequence of drawers filled with New Zealand ephemera, ultimately revealing the card. As the documentary progresses It then moves to Avondale Market, where the filmmaker investigates the card’s origins, interacting with stallholders and locals to gather context. The narrative deepens through an interview with Dave, an expert on the Waterfront Lockout, who explains the historical significance, the oppression faced by workers. Paired with archival footage, photographs, and studio-based narration, the documentary conveys the broader impact of the Lockout, including William Inman’s personal story as a union member.

‘The Lockout’ is an incredibly important story at risk of being lost to history. The 1951 Waterfront Lockout is a defining moment in New Zealand’s history that shaped workers' rights and union power. Many workplace conditions we now take for granted, such as fair pay and safer working environments, might not exist without the struggle of the Waterfront Lockout. This documentary also reflects present-day issues of inequality and insecure work, underscoring the importance of bringing this story to light.