TVNZ Gallipoli drama loses viewers, gains mixed reactions

Alexander Tarrant as Manaaki Kokiri and Shavaughn Ruakere as Awa Kokiri in When We Go To War (Supplied)

TVNZ Gallipoli drama When We Go To War shed viewers in its debut double episode on Sunday night while polarising those who watched it.

Starting out with some 314,820 watching its first hour, the show's viewership fell to 236,050 in its second according to Nielsen.

That compares to a viewership of 377,270 in One's 8.30pm-10.30pm timeslot the previous week for Australian television movie The Killing Field.

When We Go To War, which drew its $5.9 million budget from the New Zealand On Air Platinum Fund, has four more episodes to run.

The show drew mixed reactions on social media.

Former MP Tau Henare was vociferous in his comments about the show's portrayal of Maori as "whores, thieves and religious nutters."

New Series #WhenWeGoToWar is utter shit. Maori are portrayed as whores, thieves and religious nutters Pakehas all angels. #Whowritesthisshit

— WestSide 8345 (@tauhenare) April 26, 2015

$6 Million for this #garbage #WhenWeGoToWar

— WestSide 8345 (@tauhenare) April 26, 2015

Others objected to the first episode's early sex scenes.

If it was actually a good show they wouldn't have to resort to gratuity in the first ten minutes. #TVNZ #WhenWeGoToWar @TVONENZ

— Vicky (@GoldenHelikaon) April 26, 2015

While some complained about the show's advertising interruptions.

Other were more complimentary.

Love seeing some fresh faces (and some familiar faces) on @TVONENZ #WhenWeGoToWar tonight. Great set and costumes too

— Emma Eglinton (@EmmaMaeEgg) April 26, 2015

#WhenWeGoToWar has to be one of the best Kiwi TV shows that has been on in a long time. Eagerly awaiting next weeks.

— Hannah (@nzhannah93) April 26, 2015

Quite enjoyed #WhenWeGoToWar not too much spot the Shortie star cringe.

— Kurt Taogaga (@KurtTaogaga) April 26, 2015