The Gravy premieres online

For the first time ever The Gravy has premiered online, one week before it screens on TVNZ 7.  The arts show launches with host Warren Maxwell’s journey to Taranaki to explore the spiritual nature of the mountain by visiting a group of artists who are inspired by its presence.

The Gravy: Series 4

Musician Warren Maxwell, playwright Gabe McDonnell and graphic artist Ross Liew return to present Series 4 of Aotearoa's creative culture show.

This new series of The Gravy has had a revamp in format with each episode having its own theme. From words to bodies to technology, each is a journey of discovery into the hearts and minds of inspirational New Zealanders.

The new series will include the regular animated segment The Truth. Inspired by the creative culture in New Zealand, The Truth uses archive footage, animation and a pretty liberal interpretation of its title to take the audience on a satirical, highly tongue-in-cheek journey.

Episode One - Taranaki

Host Warren Maxwell journeys to Taranaki to explore the spiritual nature of the mountain by visiting a group of artists who are inspired by its presence, Painter Waru Wharehoka, collector and assemblage artist Dale Copeland and documentary photographer Fiona Clark.

The Hosts

Presenter Warren Maxwell, or "big shiny star" as his band mates call him has performed with well-known NZ bands such as "Southside of Bombay" and "Trinity Roots". His latest project is the "Little Bushmen".

Gabe McDonnell grew up a good Catholic girl in the Hutt Valley near Wellington. As well as still being able to name every single disciple that attended The Last Supper, she has become a successful playwright, a performer and one of the original members of '80s revivalist dance troupe The Real Hot Bitches. She's a living breathing example of the artist that lives her work.

Ross Liew is a prolific artists, his work is seen on the streets of towns and cities all over New Zealand and Melbourne.  Ross works under the name Trust Me and his work explores the role and effect of the street as a site/platform for viewers to engage with art.

As well as exhibiting on the street Ross has curated a number of exhibitions and contributed works to many more. Ross has a streetwise personality that fits the genre of this show.