While New Zealand workers were among the first in the world to claim the right to an eight-hour working day, our 24/7 'always-on' world has put paid to that for many. These career-focused clips offer a retro snapshot of some of the many ways that Kiwis dedicated themselves to bringing home the bacon.
From 1953, comes the somewhat erroneously titled A Friendly Career - a promotional film created to tell "a story of the life and training of the New Zealand school dental nurse". Following a new recruit's journey to a job in the 'murder house', it offers a sugar-coated highlights reel on the noble pursuit of caring for the teeth of that nation's children.
Watch A Friendly Career here:
Made in 1971, Dustie looks at working lives of a crew of Wellington rubbish collectors. The short film follows the team on their rounds, from an early start at the depot, into the trucks, and off to face a series of unique occupational hazards - irate householders, sodden winter rubbish sacks, and notoriously steep hills among them. Narrated by one of the dusties, the commentary covers everything from health benefits and job perks (discarded beer, money and toasters!) to wider musings on cleanliness.
