Observational documentary offering a unique insight into a low-socio-economic South Auckland high school. It captures the real life drama at the predominantly Pacific Island Aorere College, and one man’s battle to keep his students in school and out of trouble.
Assistant Principal Mr Peach is the back stop for kids with truancy and behavioural problems, when no other teacher can deal with them. He takes a zero tolerance stance against violence, drug taking, truancy and any of the other disciplinary problems; fighting to keep the kids at school through a mixture of tough discipline, street knowledge, negotiation, support and encouragement – whatever it takes. He’s a rebel, and not everyone agrees with his approach; but through his dogged compassion and respect he gets results where many other educators have failed, instilling a sense of self worth in his students that changes many of their lives.
Director Juliette Veber’s terrific documentary follows Gary Peach, an assistant principal at Aorere College in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. He’s a man constantly on the go, marching around the grounds with a megaphone, greeting students by name and making sure every last piece of litter is picked up. He’s a fascinating character, very stubborn but also determined to inspire the students at his school.
His interaction with a few troublesome students is so candid that when one breaks into tears, we feel like we’re in the room with them. Subjects are patiently observed and events play out honestly. Veber has nailed an un-obtrusive tone – the film's most striking characteristic – and has done an amazing job of editing what must have been a huge amount of raw footage down to something very compelling.
The point of this seems not so much to explore the inherent socio-economic barriers up against these particular youngsters, more so the leadership of Gary Peach, one of many teachers in New Zealand possibly under-appreciated by the greater public. This film highlights those who task themselves with imbuing young people with a sense of self-worth and citizenship. It’s an essential watch, a moving film about real people and real issues.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
Yep, i went to this school from 2002-2006. Was in 4th form i think, when this movie was filmed and I reckon you don't realise at the time but looking back now, i really do miss it!!! ALOT! As students we constantly complained about the lack of funding well more like "FArr why is our school so poor, can they at least do a better pain job in the toilets". But nahh, it was a mean school. Loved it and i wouldn't want to go any other school if i was given a chance to change my past. Aorere college has made me who i am today, the memories will stay with me forever. P.s Mr Peach was the man!
oMg wat a mean doCo!! this was shot when i was 4th fOrm & its all so True! all those Lil wanna B gangs that Tried 2 rule da sKool lol.But peachy u were da Heart & soul Of our tight Knit skool :)Im surprised im Not in it as U did put me On daily report a nUmber of times lol.im Now 21 & I still Consider ao As my skOOl :) Thanx 4 all da mEmories!!!
From Mr Herbert through to My mum Mrs Gifford. lol Aorere 1997 - 2000 were the meanest school days.. Peachy and Moony were the meanest tag team. I think this was really funny.. A true classic film of how Peachy was the doughnut lol Alot of Aroha for this school.. The bestest memories :)
that was funny what you wrote, Im feeling this trailer and cant wait to purchase this dvd (When i have the money that is haha) I was there too when they filmed this, but i left aorere college and finished my high school years at southern cross lmao...Mr peach was an inspiration to all students, i wonder if aorere college is still the same without him? its also funny how you mentioned the "jds" most of them are doing so well now days compared to what they used to do back in school, A few of them are married, have kids & have got there own house (& im not talking about renting too lol) How amazing is that? & they all still hang out (laughing) You forgot to mention that there were even girl groups lol But i aint even gonna go there haha
As i watched the trailer i sit back and realized "what an awesome school i went too lol" This was filmed when i was still in school, wait a minute, me and soeli were in the same year lol yup! i saw everything that year, from watching mr peach walking around with his michrophone, to students skipping classes (I wasnt one of them haha) to having the lil group gangs "JDS" & "LHS" Even saw people from de la salle coming into the school grounds just to have fights lmao ahh those were the days
If you don't see 'Trouble Is My Business' there'll be something missing from your life.
This is a terrific piece of work - funny, entertaining, occasionally downright moving.
Those who continually demonise South Auckland would be well served to shut their traps for at least as long as it takes to watch Trouble Is My Business.
Peach's style may be questionable at times - neither he, nor the film, believes in the glibly redemptive narrative - but this is a thought-provoking and often very moving report from education's frontline.
Tough, touching and tender tale of a low-decile, high-immigrant South Auckland high school.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 28th May 2009.
Release date: May 28th 2009.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
