Small Waves (2022)

When you're 12 years old and growing up in Huntly, no-one is more awesome than an All Black, especially the coolest All Black of them all, Damian McKenzie. Oh hang on... one fella might be just slightly cooler, the main man himself, the meanest, most powerful, most totally awesome Tangaroa God of the Ocean. When Pete's most prized possession (a signed poster of Damian McKenzie) is stolen he must team up with his best friend John and annoying new girl Wendy to achieve the seemingly impossible - he must score a try at afterschool Rugby against school bully Wiremu. Wiremu is the strongest (and nastiest) player in the province, while Pete barely makes the under 14s because of his small size. Meanwhile within the workings of the school Whaea Becky, a kind and dedicated teacher is at odds with new Principle Brennan about the school curriculum. Brennan has been sent by the Dept of Education to lift grades in the school and he can't see how Te Reo Maori classes fit with his goal. Pete, John and Wendy draw on inspiration from their heroes to make a game plan and in the end it is John's beloved Tangaroa who inspires their victory.