GEOFF MURPHY:

Described as a “trailblazer of the New Zealand film industry” by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, this Kiwi filmmaker was the man behind movies Goodbye Pork Pie, Utu and The Quiet Earth. His career later took him to Hollywood where he directed big-screen hits including Young Guns II and Under Siege 2. He later returned to New Zealand to work with fellow director Peter Jackson on The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and was recognised for his work in 2014 when he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Died December 3, aged 80.