Selwyn’s world famous in Matau
Nine-year-old Selwyn Iremonger has been telling the world about his life on a Taranaki farm and his hour-long journey to school along winding, rural roads.
Selwyn was among four New Zealand children to feature in 199 Little Heroes, a series of short internet films showcasing kids from all over the globe and their hopes and fears.
Living on his family farm in Matau, Selwyn takes the 60-minute drive to tiny Huiakama School, on State Highway 43 between Stratford and Whangamomona, in a bus driven by his mum.
The journey to Huiakama, which has 18 pupils, takes him along winding roads and through a one-lane tunnel only wide enough for the bus to fit through.
Funded by NZ on Air, production company Pukeko Pictures spent two days with Selwyn and his family shooting the five-minute episode.
Selwyn, who can now be considered famous in Matau, said at first he was nervous welcoming the crew into his home, but soon felt natural in front of the camera.
‘‘On the second day I didn't feel nervous,'' he said.
In his episode he discusses his dream of taking over the family farm, his efforts to protect native animals with stoat traps and how he wouldn't change anything about where he lives. Selwyn Iremonger
‘‘On the second day I didn’t feel nervous.’’
A premiere for Selwyn's episode took place at Matua Hall and he walked the red carpet, even signing flags featuring his face for friends and family.
‘‘My cousins made flags with my picture on it and as I walked down the red carpet the kids and adults were waving them around.
‘‘I even had to sign the sticks of the flags.
‘‘My poppa made a sign and it said ‘Selwyn Iremonger is a TV star' and I carried it on the red carpet,'' he said.
‘‘I found it very special they made a big fuss over me.''
When asked what his favourite part about filming he replied, ‘‘Everything''.
Director and producer for Pukeko Pictures, Bonnie Philps, who grew up near where Selwyn lives, wanted a Taranaki child to feature in the series.
After multiple calls and having no luck she contacted Gwenda Pease, the principal of Huikama School, who said she had the perfect person for it.
Philps admits she was worried that Selwyn would be shy in the hour-anda-half interview needed to make the film, but he soon opened up, impressing her with everything he said.
‘‘Selwyn is super factual. He gives you such amazing facts,'' Philps said.
‘‘There's a big environmental factor to the series and a lot of the kids talk about pollution and climate change but it was really interesting to have a child that actually spoke about how he is actively trying to protect native animals.''
‘‘Selwyn's interview is quite possibly one of the most impressive things I've done.''
The three other New Zealand episodes feature 13-year-old Kevar, a Syrian refugee who moved to Wellington nine months ago for a better life,
11-year-old Lucy who has cochlear implants and lives in Wellington, and
12-year-old Scarlett, who takes a boat to school from her home in the remote area of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
All episodes from 199 Little Heroes can be watch online at heihei.nz.