‘Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story’ – Review
As one of New Zealand’s most prolific and beloved songwriters and musicians, Don McGlashan stands as a true original. Across decades, he has carved out a singular, self-determined path through the country’s musical landscape, remaining fiercely true to his artistry while creating songs and albums that have become woven into the fabric of the Kiwi identity. With Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story, McGlashan tells his story as only he can, resulting in a documentary that is thoughtful, intimate, and deeply resonant — a portrait entirely in tune with the man and his music.
From Dominion Road to Anchor Me to Nature, Don McGlashan’s songs have carried Kiwis through road trips, beach days, and long summer nights for decades. They’re woven into the soundtrack of Aotearoa life. Yet the story of the man behind the music has rarely been told… until now.
Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story explores the highs and lows of McGlashan’s remarkable career, filled with backstage tales, personal reflections, and the stories behind some of New Zealand’s most cherished anthems. The film also features insights from family members and famous friends, including Neil Finn and Toa Fraser, who reflect on McGlashan’s artistry and influence.
Premiering as part of the 2025 NZIFF New Zealand Film Festival, celebrated documentary filmmaker Shirley Horrocks’ Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story was one of the festival’s standout events. Experiencing the film on the big screen was one of that year’s true highlights, and now audiences across the length and breadth of New Zealand can share in the celebration of McGlashan’s talent, artistry, and unwavering honesty. This documentary presents McGlashan across the full span of his creative life, and watching that journey unfold is nothing short of a marvel.
The film traces McGlashan’s evolution from his early days as an eager teenage musician and university student, through time spent in New York honing his craft with From Scratch, before plunging headfirst into New Zealand’s emerging punk scene with Blam Blam Blam. From there, it charts his experimentation and growth with The Front Lawn, leading into his career-defining work as a founding member of The Mutton Birds, his celebrated solo career, and his ongoing creative projects. At every stage, McGlashan’s burning musical curiosity and willingness to “have a go” shine through — qualities that have resulted in work that is deeply rewarding for both the artist and his audience.
Anchor Me captures all of this with warmth and clarity, delivering a viewing experience that is both deeply nostalgic and consistently engaging. For a younger viewer, one who grew up primarily with McGlashan’s later work, the film is particularly rewarding. It provides vital context for where both McGlashan and the nation’s musical identity have come from, and it makes abundantly clear why he embodies the Kiwi “do-it-yourself” ethos so completely. Reflective without being indulgent, the film remains a genuinely fun and absorbing watch throughout.
McGlashan is strikingly open and honest in this portrait, and it’s clear that his desire to connect with and entertain an audience remains at the heart of his artistry. While his music is deeply personal, the film reinforces the idea that his talent is also a gift to the nation — one that continues to give. Seeing his creative process laid bare is a genuine pleasure, and perhaps most striking of all is just how affable, sincere, and heartfelt McGlashan remains. As a key contributor to the growth and success of New Zealand’s music scene, he now stands as one of its elder statesmen — one who still knows exactly how to rock.
Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story is a wonderful portrait of a true Kiwi music icon. Open, inspiring, and packed with classic New Zealand tunes, it’s a heartfelt celebration of artistic commitment and cultural contribution. Perfect summer viewing, this is a documentary that will leave audiences smiling, reflective, and deeply appreciative of one of our finest storytellers.
Image: Vendetta Films
