'They'd be dressed like they lived in Ponsonby': Robert Sarkies on why he couldn't make Scarfies today
Twenty years ago, a 32-year-old Dunedin native cobbled together $250,000 to make a film.
The script, which he wrote with his younger brother, was a black comedy about five Otago University students who luck into a squat – a rambling old house, which, if somewhat derelict, offers the distinct advantage of free power. They soon discover that power is fuelling heat lamps for a massive marijuana plantation in the basement. It's all fun, games and parties until the pot's owner comes back looking for his stash.
The film was, of course, Scarfies, an instant classic that, set against a backdrop of sticky-floored pubs and NPC finals, captured New Zealand student culture, and particularly Dunedin student culture, in a way that hadn't been done before and arguably hasn't since.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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42.1% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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57.1% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Can you crack Today’s neighbourhood conundrum?
Without a bridle or a saddle, across a thing, I ride a-straddle. And those I ride, by help of me, though almost blind, are made to see. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
This one was sent in by your fellow neighbour, can you figure it out?
What is first white then red and the plumper it gets the more the old lady likes it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.