Michael Bennett | “The Gone” Season 2: A Darker, Gripping Return to Aotearoa’s Crime Landscape

Dale Husband Michael Bennett | New Zealand Māori Writer

Download Audio

lead writer of The Gone Season 2, helped shape the award-winning Kiwi-Irish drama that won Best Drama Series at the NZ Screen Awards 2025, weaving together the shared stories of Irish and Māori cultures.

After a successful debut that captivated audiences in New Zealand and abroad, The Gone is set to return with Season 2 – and expectations are high. The cross-cultural crime drama, praised for its sharp writing, emotional depth, and compelling partnership between its two lead investigators, is gearing up for a darker and more complex set of mysteries in its sophomore season.

Season 1 followed Irish detective Theo Richter and Kiwi police officer Diana Huia as they joined forces to investigate the disappearance of a young Irish couple in rural New Zealand.
The show stood out for its:

• Authentic portrayal of Te Ao Māori and rural community dynamics

• Intense, slow-burn storytelling

• Atmospheric cinematography capturing the rugged beauty of Aotearoa

• Strong chemistry between leads Richard Flood (Theo) and Acushla-Tara Kupe (Diana)

The series successfully blended police procedural elements with emotional character arcs, touching on themes of belonging, trauma, and cultural intersection.

RELATED NEWS

Roihana Nuri reacts to TMP funding cuts Dr Makarena Dudley on Māori-specific Dementia programme Aaron Hendry | “serious and potentially fatal consequences” for young people