Maori Television Gets In Behind Matariki

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Maori Television Gets In Behind Matariki

As Maori across the country celebrate Matariki – or Maori New Year – this June, so too are Maori Television’s news, current affairs and sports departments upholding the annual event.

Maori Television’s flagship news programme TE KAEA and weekly current affairs programme TE HETERI mark Matariki in special bulletins during the short period of Matariki programming, screening on the channel from Monday June 6 to Sunday June 19. In addition, the channel’s newly-launched weekly sports show CODE plays tributes to the Maori New Year in its broadcast on Thursday June 16 at 8.30 PM.

Maori Television’s weekly current affairs programme TE HETERI will feature a special report on the Matariki fashion show Te Huapae o Matariki, being staged in the heart of the King Country, Taumarunui. Producer / presenter Wena Harawira says the annual show is presented by Te Waka Pu Whenua Maori Adult Education Trust.

“The show celebrates Matariki and promotes the local weaving industry, as most of the garments are produced out of harakeke. It’s also helping to boost the town’s local economy,” Harawira says. This special Matariki report plays out on Wednesday June 8 at 8.00 PM.

Meanwhile, Maori Television’s nightly news programme TE KAEA will be broadcasting Matariki-themed news stories during its bulletins from Monday June 6 through to Sunday June 19. While presenters Julian Wilcox and Ngarimu Daniels make plans to hold reo wananga in celebration and re-plant their gardens respectively, the programme itself will reflect the dedication Maori Television holds for the celebrations.

Reporter Annabelle Lee-Harris will report on a waka hourua wananga being held on June 12 by expert navigator Hekenukumai Busby, covering the ancient process of navigation by the stars. And, keep an eye out for a celestial Matariki banner which will highlight Matariki stories each night at 7.30 PM.

On Thursday June 16 at 8.30 PM the only New Zealand sports show with true sporting legends will celebrate the Maori New Year featuring reports on Maoridom’s sports stars of yesteryear and heralding in future rising stars. CODE’s theme for the episode is Uia nga whetu or Ask the Stars and what a better way to celebrate the Maori New Year than with hosts Tawera Nikau, Jenny May Coffin, Rewa Hudson, Matua Parkinson, Slade McFarland, Julian Wilcox and special guests.

In addition, the channel invites viewers to keep in the spirit of the celebrations by viewing specially-created interstitials, or small documentary items, playing throughout the two weeks’ where esteemed Maori leaders explain the traditional and cultural significance of the annual event.

Join Maori Television during Matariki 2005!

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