James Cross and his mother Isey celebrated her 106th birthday just a week ago.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

James Cross – Northland identity and co-star of one of New Zealand’s most successful documentary movies of all time – has died aged 68.

Gavin Cross said his youngest brother passed away peacefully on Monday night at Kawakawa Hospital, with family members – including their 106-year-old mother Isey Cross – at his bedside.

He would be at home at the family farm in Kawakawa until Thursday, when he would be taken to Ōtiria Marae, near Moerewa, about 6am. A service would be held there at 11.30am.

The 2021 movie James and Isey, by independent film-maker Florian Habicht, explored the loving relationship between Isey and her youngest son and caregiver, as they prepared to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The feel-good film is the seventh highest-grossing New Zealand documentary of all time.

James Cross hosted a 106th birthday party for his mother Isey at Waitangi last week.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Just 10 days earlier and despite failing health, James hosted a 106th birthday party for his mother at Bay of Islands Yacht Club in Waitangi.

More than 100 people attended, with members of the Cross whānau travelling from as far away as Australia.

James had been working on a sequel to James and Isey, which he was intent on producing himself.

When mother and son attended the world premiere of James and Isey at Auckland’s Civic Theatre in 2021, it was the first time Isey had been to the Civic – or to any movie – since World War II.

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