Ward removed as director of troubled River Queen

2.15pm - By AINSLEY THOMSON

Acclaimed New Zealander director Vincent Ward has been removed as director of the troubled movie River Queen.

The film's publicist released a statement today confirming Ward's removal, but giving no indication why it had happened.

Ward co-wrote the screen play, an epic set during the 1860s against the backdrop of the Maori wars, with fellow New Zealander Toa Fraser.

The film's producers, Don Reynolds and Chris Auty, said they have the ongoing support of the film's investors.

The movie, being shot in the hill-country north of Wanganui, has been plagued with problems since filming started in late June.

Filming was called-off when lead actress Samantha Morton became seriously ill after working in severe weather conditions.

When the filming resumed three weeks ago the problems continued. The latest trouble to hit the film happened last week when New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis crashed his SUV into an Otaki house, injuring himself.