Tangiwai: A Love Story

In 1953, Bob Blair, a young cricketer, proposes marriage to Nerissa Love. Their engagement faces opposition from Nerissa's Catholic parents who disapprove of her marrying outside their faith. Nerissa attempts to persuade Bob to convert, but he refuses, leading to their breakup.

After a heated argument, Nerissa notices a gravestone, which prompts her to realize life's fragility. Moved by this, she and Bob reconcile and decide to reunite their engagement. Bob shows his commitment by buying her flowers and suggesting they marry in a neutral Methodist church.

Bob is selected to represent New Zealand in South Africa, and he uses his earnings to buy Nerissa an engagement ring. They share a tender moment before he departs, with Nerissa asking him to 'hit a six for me' in reference to his cricket matches.

Nerissa listens to Bob's progress through the radio broadcasts from South Africa. They exchange numerous letters, but Nerissa feels lonely and longs for him. Bob ships her flowers on Christmas Eve, strengthening their bond despite the distance.

Nerissa decides to leave her parents' house to be with Bob. She sneaks onto a train with her friends Eva and Jim, writing a letter to Bob to affirm their intention to marry regardless of her parents' opposition. The letter is sent at the first stop.

A massive wave damages the rail bridge at Tangiwai, causing the train to derail near the river. Nerissa's carriage plunges into the water, and she is trapped inside. Toki searches frantically but only finds her engagement ring among the wreckage, later discovering her body.

Nerissa's family and friends are notified of her tragic death through a telegram. Her father and Stan identify her body, and a nurse begins the painful process of recovering her from the wreckage. Bob receives the news and is devastated, withdrawing from his cricket match.

Despite the injuries of his teammates, especially Sutcliffe's collapse, Bob struggles to focus on the game. He remains devastated by Nerissa's death, and the team's performance suffers as they face a fierce South African team.

As the match progresses, Bob finally joins his team in desperation. Hearing Nerissa's voice asking him to 'hit a six for me', he swings the final ball high into the terraces, inspiring the crowd and visualizing her cheering him on emotionally.

The New Zealand team ultimately loses the test match. Bob is shown receiving Nerissa's last letter, written before the Tangiwai disaster, symbolizing the enduring love and tragic loss that defined their story.