Kaitangata Twitch

6.0

2010

Kaitangata Twitch is a children's adventure/fantasy series that aired on Maori TV in New Zealand in 2010. Based on the children's book of the same name, written by renouned New Zealand children's author, Margaret Mahy, it follows the adventures of thirteen year old Meredith, who can hear voices calling to her from a nearby island, Kaitangata, in the bay of her small hometown. A legend of pre-European New Zealand, the frequent rumblings of small earthquakes and the disappearance of a young Pakeha girl, fifty years earlier, all shroud the mystery surrounding the island.

Seasons

13 Episodes • Premiered 2010

1. The Battle for the Bay

Meredith is having weird visions. The Island of Kaitangata is waking up. For the first time in years there is an earthquake — the Kaitangata Twitch. Meredith sees a young girl on the Island and discovers she went missing in mysterious circumstances — 50 years ago!

2. The Island's Keeper

Haunted by how she could possibly have seen a little girl who went missing five decades ago, Meredith becomes increasingly fixated on the mystery of Shelly Gentry, and finds some startling evidence in Lee Kaa's shack. Meanwhile, the Battle for the Bay heats up at the council meeting.

3. Dangerous Voices

Meredith now has evidence that connects Lee Kaa to the missing girl, Shelly. Meredith's visions become more vivid and terrifying, and the visions seem to be dragging her towards the island of Kaitangata. She ties herself to the bed to try and stop herself from dreaming. But the island continues to loom large.

4. Family Secrets

Meredith fights her visions but the battle takes its toll. She tries to turn to Lee Kaa but the mad old man is fighting against the demolition of his shack. Then Kaitangata twitches again — is the island angry?

5. The Chosen One

Meredith realizes that Lee Kaa believes there is a connection between the earthquakes and her visions. Her grandparents visit and Nana drops a bombshell — she knew Shelly Gentry and believes Lee Kaa murdered her.

6. Changing Sides

Tensions rise in the house as Dad accepts Cardwell's offer to design an eco-friendly development. Meredith has her most frightening vision yet — while in real life she paddles out to Kaitangata in her sleep. And she is being followed...

7. The Cannibal Chief

Lee Kaa saves Meredith from her dream, and Cardwell wins over Rufus. Kate and Nick decide to make a big bang, and Meredith learns the truth about the island and Lee Kaa.

8. The New Keeper of the Island

Cardwell and Grace grow closer, and the developer reveals his plans to move back to the bay permanently. Meredith tries to go too far too quickly, and is almost swallowed up in her vision.

9. The Big Bang

Rufus is tempted by Cardwell to a richer life. Kate and Nick blow up Cardwell's billboard, and Meredith goes back into her dream and discovers the frightening truth.

10. Broken Hearts

Meredith turns 13 but it is not a happy occasion. With her family in turmoil, Meredith realises that the island is about to bite back — but she finds herself alone in the battle to calm its wrath.

11. The Reunion

With Lee Kaa out of the picture, Meredith is alone and without guidance when history repeats — and her little brother goes missing. Meredith stands vigil at Lee Kaa's bedside in hospital.

12. Return of the Cannibal Chief

Meredith confronts Cardwell but he ridicules her and the island refuses to demonstrate its power. Meredith is left furious. Her anger could be dangerous. Meredith is disturbed by the fresh batch of dead fish that have washed up on the shore.

13. The Final Battle

Her family could be set to leave the area for good and her mentor is struck down. Meredith realises she must act to save her world from collapsing. There is only one solution — give the island what it wants.