Filmed at and inspired by the residents of Kohitere Boys Training Centre in Levin, New Zealand, this tale follows a group of teens who are wards of the state.  It was directed by Mike Walker, who co-wrote the script with Mitchell Manuel (who also played the part of Rikihana Nathan).
 
"The most refreshing aspect of Kingpin is the total lack of apologist preaching […]. It is a positive sign of Walker’s understanding and respect that he doesn’t make up facile excuses for them [the boys]. Tough minded it may be, but the compassion of Kingpin’s outlook is touching too."
– Costa Botes, The Dominion, 19 May 1986

Faifua (Junior) Amiga . . . Willie Hoto 
Nicholas Rogers . . . . . . Karl Stevens 
Mitchell Manuel . . . . . . Rikihana Nathan 
Wi Kuki Kaa . . . . . . . . Mr Nathan 
Judy McIntosh . . . . . . . Alison Eastwood 
Terence Cooper. . . . . . . Dave Adams 
Peter McCauley. . . . . . . Paul Jefferies 
Jim Moriarty. . . . . . . . Mike Herewini 
Kevin J Wilson. . . . . . . Len Crawford 

Writers . . . . . . . . . . Mitchell Manuel, Mike Walker
Producers . . . . . . . . . Gary Hannam, Mike Walker
Director. . . . . . . . . . Mike Walker
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . Ross Chambers, Ken Saville
Boom Operator . . . . . . . Stewart Main
Composers . . . . . . . . . Andrew Hagen, Morton Wilson
Continuity. . . . . . . . . Jan Haynes
Location Manager. . . . . . Catherine Madigan
Casting Director. . . . . . Diana Rowan
Editor. . . . . . . . . . . Paul Sutorius
Cinematographer . . . . . . John Toon