Gang Girls - Tarnz Story

Directed by Makarita Urale, Produced by Claudette Hauiti.

Teenage gang member Tarnz tells her extraordinary life story in “Gang Girl,” in a half-hour documentary.   

Adult male gangs have long been a part of the New Zealand landscape, but teenage girl gangs are a more recent trend.  Now in her early 20s, Tarnz formed her own girl gang in Maraenui, Napier when she was in her teens.  She has 13 convictions and has been in prison three times.  She has now left the gang and is trying to make a new life for herself in Wellington.

“Gang Girl – Tarnz’s Story” was produced by Front of the Box Productions, the makers of the award-winning TV 2 documentary Gang Girls.  In a gritty and revealing interview, Tarnz tells the story of her turbulent upbringing, losing her mother and baby brother in the Mohaka house-bus crash, turning to a life of crime and gangs, and then coming out the other side again.

Director Makereta Urale says she was impressed by meeting and filming Tarnz.  “People might not approve of her and her life choices, but there is an extraordinary spirit and strength that comes off her and there’s vulnerability too.  She’s had an amazing life.”

Executive Producer Irene Gardiner says the documentary has a very simple and stark style, but is still a very affecting piece of television.  “It shows a slice of life that many people will have no awareness of at all.  It might shock people that Tarnz talks so casually about gang life and committing quite serious crimes, but I think some viewers will also feel for her and the tough life that she has had.”

 “Gang Girl – Tarnz’s Story” screened on New Zealand Television,TV 2 at 11pm on Wednesday December 14, as part of the documentary innovation strand.  Front of the Box Productions has also produced another documentary for this strand.  Called Mob Daughters, it is about twin sisters who grew up in a Mongrel Mob family.