Mike Walker, 72; Filmmaker Chronicled New Zealand’s Maoris

Mike Walker, 72, a New Zealand filmmaker best known for chronicling the struggles of the country’s indigenous Maori people, died over the weekend, media in Wellington reported Monday. The cause of death was not reported.

Walker worked as a director, co-producer and co-writer on the films “Kingi’s Story,” “Kingpin” and “Mark II,” which featured local actors and portrayed the lives of Maori youth.

The three films are considered precursors to similar movies by others, including “Once Were Warriors” by director Lee Tamahori and “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” by Ian Mune. Both films earned acclaim for their vivid portrayals of the violent lives of Maori urban poor.

In 1951, Walker joined Bob Morrow, a film animator from Britain’s Rank Organization, to set up a private filmmaking company, Morrow Productions. The firm made animated documentaries and live-action dramas.