John Daniel Barnett
Photo: New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons10

John Daniel Barnett

New Zealand film producer (1945–2025)

John Daniel Barnett (17 August 1945 – 24 August 2025) was a New Zealand film and television producer. He is best known for producing the film Whale Rider (2002).2

From Wikipedia’s article on John Daniel Barnett (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Aug 17, 1945, died Aug 24, 2025.1

Companies

Career

Occupation: film producer, television producer.4 5

Barnett was born to a Jewish Family 17 August 1945 in Auckland, and studied at Victoria University of Wellington for a commerce degree. In 1970, he, with fellow graduates, invested in the first financial publication in New Zealand, the National Business Review (NBR). Barnett was an NBR director for several years. He spent years leading one of the most successful production companies in New Zealand, South Pacific Pictures. During his career, he produced a number of feature films, including Strange Behavior, Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale, Whale Rider, and Sione's Wedding. He also worked as an executive producer for television series including Shortland Street.

Barnett died on 24 August 2025, at the age of 80.

From Wikipedia’s article on John Daniel Barnett (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Awards

  • 2007honorary doctor of Victoria University of Wellington6 7
  • Date not recordedCompanion of the New Zealand Order of Merit5 6
  • Date not recordedOfficer of the New Zealand Order of Merit5 6

Sources

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