Jools Topp

Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) and starring Maaka Pohatu (The Modern Maori Quartet, Two Little Boys) the film tells the story of musician Dalvanius Prime and the origin of the song “Poi E”, a ground-breaking fusion of 1980s pop and traditional Māori music. “Poi E”, composed by Dalvanius and Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi and performed by the Patea Māori Club, remains the only song in Te Reo Māori to reach No 1 in the charts, over 30 years since its 1984 release.

Fun, disarming and musically provocative, the Topp Twins are New Zealand's finest lesbian country and western singers and the country's greatest export since rack of lamb and the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

The Topp Twins television series was a highly acclaimed New Zealand comedy and musical show created by twin sisters Jools and Lynda Topp. Running for three seasons, the show featured their iconic cast of original Kiwi characters, including the bossy Camp Mother and her bumbling companion Camp Leader, the Bowling Ladies, and the cross-dressing Ken and Ken. The series followed the twins as they integrated their musical performances and comedic sketches into everyday New Zealand life and events, such as A&P shows, netball matches, the Otago Cavalcade, and speedway racing. The show is a major piece of New Zealand broadcasting history.

Join Eli Matthewson for a journey through the untold history of New Zealand's queer community, celebrating the resilience of trailblazers who pushed for an inclusive Aotearoa