ABOUT
FOURPLAIT is a storytelling consultancy and production company based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, founded by Jessica Sanderson and Olly Coddington, two screen production professionals who have predominantly created work amplifying Māori and Pacific stories.
The company works with senior leaders, academics, and professionals seeking to build a public presence that is relational rather than performative. Services include one-on-one Story Clarity Sessions, a self-directed Story Map Toolkit, and an in-person Storytelling Circle.
Fourplait has two NZ On Air-funded productions available for viewing, released in 2025 on RNZ and TVNZ: JOURNEY OF SCENT and AHI WĀNANGA.
Where does the name come from?
The name FOURPLAIT, said “four” and “pait” (like the braid). Comes from the plait required to make a poi. Both Jessica and Olly recall making them as young children at their respective kura (schools), where they were both taught that it was a two-person job. Many make the plait on their own, but it can be faster and easier together.
Fourplait sees the four strands as a metaphor for the different elements required to create a strong piece of work;
The people and places on screen
The production people who capture the story
The audience who give their time and attention to watch
The businesses, platforms, or funders that create the means to view the story shared
The “plait” takes shape only when these four distinct elements are woven together.
A new piece of art is made when the weave is strong, with the possibility of creating its own rhythms and reverberations in the world.
