The Taneatua Express

A “Fifty Cent Mixture” FILM
WRITTEN BY Matiu Sadd

Set in the back blocks of the Bay of Plenty, ‘The Taneatua Express’ is a humorous and heartfelt story of two brothers and their journey to make a failing tour bus operation work.

After several years of living the life in London, Robert is made redundant. To top it off his relationship ends, triggering the decision to return home. However, settling back into life in Taneatua will take some getting used to.

Born, bred and still holding it down in Taneatua is Robert’s brother, Maurice. He’s purchased a beat up 6-seater van and is dead set on providing “off the beaten track” tours of the region. After much persuasion, he convinces Robert to stay in town and get involved. As a result, the brothers create something incredibly unique, if not a little ridiculous.

While Robert looks at conventional ways to keep the business running, Maurice decides to sideline in some other money making ventures to help pay the bills. But when Robert discovers Maurice has been dabbling in some illegal activity, he threatens to quit. Promising to cut his ties with some unsavoury types, Maurice is caught in a brawl and ends up having the van seized. Out of his depth, Robert chooses to take affairs into his own hands and resolve matters.

On top of that an unannounced competitor rolls into town threatening to absorb their somewhat limited clientele. Robert and Maurice must devise a cunning plan to make their mark and keep The Taneatua Express alive.