One of New Zealand's leading television and film producer passed recently. Over almost half a century Mr Barnett produced some of New Zealand's most popular feature films, among them the internationally acclaimed 'Whale Rider', and the comedy 'Sione's Wedding'.
Mr Barnett was actively involved in film, television and video distribution and in the development of multiplex cinemas. He joined South Pacific Pictures in 1993 as Managing Director, and in early 1998 led a management buy-out of the company becoming co-owner of New Zealand's largest television and film production company. He ran South Pacific Pictures for 23 years, during which time he oversaw production of popular television shows including 'Shortland Street' and 'Outrageous Fortune', and championed projects that spoke of New Zealand's Māori, Pacific and Asian population. He established the Sundance Channel (which became Rialto), New Zealand's first art house film channel. In 2016 he re-established his company Endeavour Ventures to work on a range of feature film and television projects.
He served two terms on the Board of the New Zealand Film Commission, was a member of the Government appointed New Zealand Screen Council from 2005 to 2008, and the Auckland Museum Foundation. Mr Barnett was a Trustee of the New Zealand Film Heritage Trust, the Auckland Hospital Charitable Trust, Auckland Health Foundation, and Te Urungi o Ngati Kuri
He was active in other areas of media. In 1972 he co-founded New Zealand’s leading weekly business newspaper, National Business Review. He was a director of NBR from 1972-1985.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
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