Maori Radio Broadcasts Super 12 Semi-Final

Maori Radio Broadcasts Super 12 Semi-Final

PANUI PAPAHO/MEDIA STATEMENT

Te 13 o nga ra o Haratua 2002

KI A

Iwi Radio Station Managers

Sports Reporters

Maori Issues Correspondents

MAORI RADIO BROADCASTS SUPER 12 SEMI-FINAL

National Maori language radio service Ruia Mai will broadcast both the semi-final and final of the Telecom Rugby Super 12 competition.

Ruia Mai sports manager Henare Pryor and commentator Dan Hiramana-Rua will co-host the live Maori language broadcast of this Saturday's (18/5) semi-final clash between the Crusaders and the Highlanders in Christchurch.

Ruia Mai manager Pere Maitai says the Ngati Whatua station's coverage of the Super 12 competition consolidates its position as New Zealand's leading Maori-owned, Maori language broadcaster.

"Henare Pryor has broken new ground in his presentation of sports fixtures entirely in the Maori language," Mr Maitai says. "In the past two years, he's commentated from major national and international men's and women's rugby and netball games in both Aotearoa and Australia - a feat unmatched in the history of Maori language broadcasting."

Saturday's broadcast will run from 7:15pm until 9.30pm. It will be available as a separate channel on the Punga Net and will be labelled 'RUIA MAI - SUPER 12'. Listeners can also tune in via the station's Auckland frequency, 1179AM, or on the website www.ruiamai.co.nz.

Since its launch in May 1996, Ruia Mai has supported the preservation and protection of the Maori language and culture through the production of news, current affairs, sport, education, youth and music shows.

Seven days a week, the team of presenters, reporters and producers based in Auckland and Wellington generate some 40 hours of programming for the national network of iwi radio stations.

ENDS

For more information, contact Ruia Mai news manager Vanessa Bidois on 09 9777 838 or 029 9777 838.

© Scoop Media