The making of a legend – Janine Morrell-Gunn

Christchurch television producer, businesswoman and philanthropist Janine Morrell-Gunn is officially a Kiwi legend, and an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Lynda Papesch finds them well-deserved honours.

“What’s it like being a legend,” I asked Janine Morrell-Gunn.
She laughs. “Old,” she says, quickly qualifying that she usually equates the legend concept to history, to times and people past.

Those who work with Janine awarded her the legend accolade in November 2022, when Aotearoa’s television industry gathered to celebrate their sector’s achievements. Soon after, she was also recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours, for services to children’s television and the community.

While humbled by the recognition, and proud of what she has achieved, Janine believes there’s lots more she and others can do to help the children of today.
Children are at the heart of what she does, an inherent part of her life, whether her own four adult children, her first grandchild, making shows for children,
or working for charities that support young people.

As a child, Janine wanted to either be a missionary or a TV producer. The latter won the toss.

“Being a producer is what I do, and who I am,” she explains. “From when I was 12 running the Joy club with kids from our street in my bedroom, singing and acting out stories from the bible, to organising students as the President of UCs Student Association or putting up ‘The White Lights of Hope’ after the earthquakes.”

Locally born and bred, the foundation pupil from Hornby High also has a deep passion for Christchurch, making an early decision [with husband Jason Gunn]
to return from Auckland to live in the Garden City.

WhitebaitMedia was born in 1998, and despite a “few lean times”, is still a creative hub for producing children’s shows. “We’re pivoting to work in digital space, while at the same time working on developing a series, more shows and shared family viewing. I’m always on the lookout for new ideas,” says Janine.

For inspiration, she looks to what’s happening around her, to the challenges being faced by young people, and to the cultural diversity of Christchurch.
“I have always believed in amplifying the voice and showcasing the talents and creativity of young people,” she explains. Her continuing aim is to help and inspire children and youth, through television and digital content, and working with charity and community groups. “It is up to us to support them. ”

Growing up in the late 1960s and the 1970s, “I had a great childhood”, Janine remembers. “Life for young people today is completely different, with a very different set of challenges.

“Working with charities and foundations focused on young people helps bring meaning to everything you do. “I’m not alone in thinking like that. I’m always reading about fabulous people doing wonderful things to help. I often wonder how they find the time, and the strength to help those in need,” she adds.

Janine believes it is time for her generation, (people ‘my age’) to be sharing their knowledge, walking alongside, and helping young people make their way in the world.
“We’ve had our time, and it’s not all good things we’ve done. In a country of five million we have homelessness, poverty and huge anxiety.
“My dream is that we all get up and believe we have a part to play in this world of ours. We are stronger together.”

In her continuing efforts to make a difference, Janine looks to younger up-coming women on screen, journalists, broadcasters, actresses to keep telling great stories, inspired by the likes of actress Miranda Harcourt.

“She’s always active on Instagram, promoting the positive, people’s successes, and she has a political voice as well”.

A self-confessed ‘active relaxer’, personally Janine is working on achieving greater balancing with work and family, while continuing charities and spending time with her granddaughter and in the vege garden. “It’s the journey, not the destination,” she adds.

“I believe that what happens to you happens for you.”

IN BRIEF

Since the 1980s, Janine Morrell-Gunn has produced dozens of children’s television shows, including The Son of a Gunn Show, What Now, The Erin Simpson Show, Play School, and Spot On.

Chair of the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre since 2015, she’s also a board member of the Maia Health Foundation, and supports digital literacy for children at the Uru Manuka Education Trust.

TVNZ’s executive producer of children’s productions from 1985 to 1998, she founded Christchurch-based production company WhitebaitMedia with her husband, Jason Gunn, in 1998.