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Trouble Is My Business

Trouble Is My Business

2008

Observational documentary offering a unique insight into a low-socio-economic South Auckland high school. It captures the real life drama at the predominantly Pacific Island Aorere College, and one man’s battle to keep his students in school and out of trouble.

Assistant Principal Mr Peach is the back stop for kids with truancy and behavioural problems, when no other teacher can deal with them. He takes a zero tolerance stance against violence, drug taking, truancy and any of the other disciplinary problems; fighting to keep the kids at school through a mixture of tough discipline, street knowledge, negotiation, support and encouragement – whatever it takes. He’s a rebel, and not everyone agrees with his approach; but through his dogged compassion and respect he gets results where many other educators have failed, instilling a sense of self worth in his students that changes many of their lives.

Directed by Juliette Veber (feature debut)

Produced by Vicky Pope, Juliette Veber

Edited by Cushla Dillon

Documentary | 1hr 23mins | Origin: New Zealand | NZ Distributor: Arkles Entertainment | Official Site »

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Flicks review

  •  4

    Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz

    Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz

    Flicks Writer

    Director Juliette Veber’s terrific documentary follows Gary Peach, an assistant principal at Aorere College in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. He’s a man constantly on the go, marching around the grounds with a megaphone, greeting students by name and making sure every last piece of litter is picked up. He’s a fascinating character, very stubborn but also determined to inspire the students at his school.

    His interaction with a few troublesome students is so candid that when one breaks into tears, we feel like we’re in the room with them. Subjects are patiently observed and events play out honestly. Veber has nailed an un-obtrusive tone – the film's most striking characteristic – and has done an amazing job of editing what must have been a huge amount of raw footage down to something very compelling.

    The point of this seems not so much to explore the inherent socio-economic barriers up against these particular youngsters, more so the leadership of Gary Peach, one of many teachers in New Zealand possibly under-appreciated by the greater public. This film highlights those who task themselves with imbuing young people with a sense of self-worth and citizenship. It’s an essential watch, a moving film about real people and real issues.

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The people's reviews

39 reviews

  • AO!

     5

    SKS

    Nobody (?)

    Yep, i went to this school from 2002-2006. Was in 4th form i think, when this movie was filmed and I reckon you don't realise at the time but looking back now, i really do miss it!!! ALOT!

    As students we constantly complained about the lack of funding well more like "FArr why is our school so poor, can they at least do a better pain job in the toilets".

    But nahh, it was a mean school. Loved it and i wouldn't want to go any other school if i was given a chance to change my past. Aorere college has made me who i am today, the memories will stay with me forever. P.s Mr Peach was the man!

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • meMoriezz!!

     5

    ashlee

    Nobody (?)

    oMg wat a mean doCo!! this was shot when i was 4th fOrm & its all so True! all those Lil wanna B gangs that Tried 2 rule da sKool lol.But peachy u were da Heart & soul Of our tight Knit skool :)Im surprised im Not in it as U did put me On daily report a nUmber of times lol.im Now 21 & I still Consider ao As my skOOl :) Thanx 4 all da mEmories!!!

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • Aorere College a true classic school

     5

    Ang

    Nobody (?)

    From Mr Herbert through to My mum Mrs Gifford. lol Aorere 1997 - 2000 were the meanest school days.. Peachy and Moony were the meanest tag team. I think this was really funny.. A true classic film of how Peachy was the doughnut lol Alot of Aroha for this school.. The bestest memories :)

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • to oldschool

     5

    love it

    Nobody (?)

    that was funny what you wrote, Im feeling this trailer and cant wait to purchase this dvd (When i have the money that is haha)
    I was there too when they filmed this, but i left aorere college and finished my high school years at southern cross lmao...Mr peach was an inspiration to all students, i wonder if aorere college is still the same without him?
    its also funny how you mentioned the "jds" most of them are doing so well now days compared to what they used to do back in school, A few of them are married, have kids & have got there own house (& im not talking about renting too lol) How amazing is that? & they all still hang out (laughing)
    You forgot to mention that there were even girl groups lol But i aint even gonna go there haha

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • awesome

     5

    Oldschool

    Nobody (?)

    As i watched the trailer i sit back and realized "what an awesome school i went too lol" This was filmed when i was still in school, wait a minute, me and soeli were in the same year lol yup! i saw everything that year, from watching mr peach walking around with his michrophone, to students skipping classes (I wasnt one of them haha) to having the lil group gangs "JDS" & "LHS" Even saw people from de la salle coming into the school grounds just to have fights lmao ahh those were the days

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • Review

     5

    Amazed

    Nobody (?)

    Congratulations on taking the huge challenge on of portraying how difficult teenagers were back, they need more teachers like Mr Peachy around - his way was foreign but effective. This is not a bad portrayal of AO, there are many schools like this, but congrats to this particular school & Mr Peachy for being gutsy enough to show how challenging ther roles are,it is not a 9-3 job most of us have now and they need to be paid more for it!

    Well done & for those AO students, count your blessings you were given such advise like "Harden Up" becos you will never forget it and it will pass down to your own children, straight from the famous Mr Peachy himself.

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • Oi

     3

    Xcel Mum

    Nobody (?)

    Cant wait 2 see it,cos ma son Royce went to the school & i remember Mr Peach saying he was gna do a film on the student also ask 4 my permission 2 film it & yep i agreed...... Not many teacher around like him wish i had him in my days lol......

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    • sio

      i was there when mr peach walking around the ground with the michrophone i miss mr peach

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    comment / reply

    1 of 1

  • shot peachie

     5

    luke

    Nobody (?)

    they didn't show the positives, and they didn't show the camps, sports etc. but what they did show is how awesome the kids are, their inner beauty, and how important it is for all teachers to care. its not all about AO its all about life
    harden up

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • A.O - MY OLD STOMPING GROUNDS

     5

    Shaun Tuteru

    Nobody (?)

    A.O is in my blood, and its apart of me. That school tought me many things, how to survive outside the grounds. Crew vs Crew inside, but on the out, "A.O STUCK TOGETHER", back when i was there from 1999-2002 we had to lern 2 things. ACADEMIC & SURVIVE,for out on the streets- your on your own. This movie tells it how it is. Once a strong school knwon for its academics,then turned into a young thugs paradise. Big shout out to all the teachers who look out for me at school,and to Uncle Peachy, thanks for not narking me in to my grandparents ay, for that i am greatfull.
    A.O is in my blood, A.O is a part of me.

    Agree? Disagree?...

  • AHAHAHA!

     5

    YR13 '09

    Nobody (?)

    This is funny azzz! this was being filmed back when I was 3rd or 4th form because I was in the same form as that Jesse guy! Lol

    Man! Honestly! A.O was the shizz! The teachers and Deans there were on to it!!!

    The atmosphere there was, even though there were kids doing stupid stuff around the place, very warm! at least thats how I felt it!

    anyways, haven't seen the film yet, only the trailer, but peachey's awesome! (even though he betrayed our school and left us for some other!!! BAAHAHAHAHAHA)

    * * * * *


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Press Reviews

  • Captiol Times (Dan Slevin)

    If you don't see 'Trouble Is My Business' there'll be something missing from your life.
    Read full review

  • Dominion Post (Graeme Tuckett)

     4

    This is a terrific piece of work - funny, entertaining, occasionally downright moving.
    Read full review

  • Groove Guide (Steve Newall)

     4

    Those who continually demonise South Auckland would be well served to shut their traps for at least as long as it takes to watch Trouble Is My Business.

  • NZ Herald (Peter Calder)

     4

    Peach's style may be questionable at times - neither he, nor the film, believes in the glibly redemptive narrative - but this is a thought-provoking and often very moving report from education's frontline.
    Read full review

  • Sunday Star Times

    Tough, touching and tender tale of a low-decile, high-immigrant South Auckland high school.
    Read full review

  • The Listener (Helene Wong)

    Juliette Veber’s decision to observe rather than take sides on the subject of how to discipline children is an inspired directorial choice.
    Read full review

  • TV3 (David T Hay)

     4

    This is a tragic, funny and moving film with an overriding feeling of authenticity.
    Read full review

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