30 January 2001
Media Release
NZ on Air Funds Return of Te Tutu Comedy
Comedian Pio Terei, and comedy director, David McPhail, will team up for the return of The Life and Times of Te Tutu
later this year.
The Life and Times of Te Tutu is a comedy series which pokes fun at our bicultural problems, giving a prime-time
presence to Maori actors. The programme provides Maori and Pakeha viewers with a genuine opportunity to have a good
laugh at themselves.
“The first series of Te Tutu was witty and brave and attracted a loyal audience, “ said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jo
Tyndall.
“We’re building on this promising start because we think Te Tutu has the potential to grow a much larger audience, given
the opportunity,“ said Ms Tyndall.
The second series, supported by NZ On Air, will feature faster, slicker dialogue, more dynamic interaction and greater
comic opportunities for the actors to showcase their talents.
NZ On Air has allocated $1,138,496 to Pipi Productions to produce seven half hour episodes of The Life & Times of Te Tutu. The programmes will be screened on TV One.
ends
For further information:
Jo Tyndall
Chief Executive
NZ On Air
This media release is available on the Internet, at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz
Life and Times of Te Tutu $1,138,496
7 x half hour series
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Ray Lillis, Pipi Productions