Makutu on Mrs. Jones

Tawhai Bennet's first job is helping Mrs Jones on the rural delivery round during the school holidays. Mrs Jones is a widow who is renown for her sharp tongue, but also her tremendous spirit and pride. Over the weeks that they are working together, delivering groceries to the isolated farms in the district, Tawhai becomes infatuated with his boss.

The holiday job would be idyllic but for the intervention of the fearsom Mr Hohepa. As a tohunga, Mr Hohepa has the power to put a makutu, or curse, upon persons who displease him.

For a long time Mr Hohepa has had the special privilege of having his groceries delivered to the top of his front steps, rather than to his gateway - to the great annoyance of Mrs Jones. Matters come to a head one day, and Mrs Jones and Mr Hohepa have a terrible argument that lasts for several days.

Tawhai fears that Mr Hohepa will put a curse on Mrs Jones and his suspicions seem to be confirmed by her subsequent strange behaviour.

The Makutu on Mrs Jones is a warm and touching film that will have universal appeal not only to children, but also to anyone who can still remember their first great love.