Wednesday 9 March 2011

2011 is shaping up to be a huge season for the team at Maori Television’s HYUNDAI CODE, as the Rugby World Cup approaches kick-off.

But with presenters drawn from across the sporting codes, this live, hour-long prime-time programme is far from being all about this nation’s dominant sport. And neither is it always focused on the games themselves, with the presenters making just as much sport out of challenging each other as discussing the latest match-ups.

“Our presenters are always competing against each other, trying to get in whatever cheap shots they can,” says producer Fiona Apanui. “We’re a sports entertainment show, so there’s as much fun to be had watching the programme as watching sport itself.”

Back for its seventh season, ‘Hyundai Code’ features familiar faces Jenny May Coffin, Ruben Wiki, Awen Guttenbeil and Glen ‘Oz’ Osborne, plus on the sub’s bench Karl Te Nana and Wairangi ‘Waizguy’ Koopu. Isaac Ross and Hosea Gear will also make it on to the bench from time to time.

This year we’re asking our audience to join in the fun! “We want viewers to send in a video or photo demonstrating the most creative way to say, ‘Mean Maori Mean’, we’re looking for that special “Mean Maori Mean” attitude and of course something that makes us laugh,” says Fiona.

Speaking of laughs you may remember the fierce competition last year between the “Freshionals” Ruben and Awen versus the “brofessionals” Karl and Oz. All in honour of the prize kumara nailed to a plank otherwise known as “the Mana Shield”. This year the boys are taking it to a whole new level with more pain, harder tasks and really disgusting consequences!

Hyundai Code put their creative and competitive talents to good use last week with “Code Red” dedicating the entire show to Otautahi. An action packed show complete with live crosses to Christchurch with Dallas Seymour, reports from Karl, on how it’s affected the sporting community and pledges for Ruben and Neil Waka. Within one hour the team with the support of 2 Degrees, who matched the publics pledges dollar for dollar, had managed to raise well over ten thousand dollars!

‘Code Red for Canterbury’ encouraged our viewers to donate to the Red Cross to help its efforts in Christchurch. “Like all New Zealanders, and, of course, especially Cantabrians, many sportspeople have been hugely affected by the earthquake, and we wanted to do our bit,” says Fiona.

‘Hyundai Code’ has boasted some amazing international and home-grown guests in the past, and this season promises to be no different. “With the Rugby World Cup approaching, it’s going to be a big year for ‘Hyundai Code’ as we get out into the communities to see how they’re preparing for the tournament,” says Fiona.

“While our programme is about sport, it’s just as much about the personalities who play it, and the viewers who enjoy watching it.”

Hyundai Code – on Maori Television every Thursday at 8.30pm (repeats every Sunday at 4pm).

ENDS

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