PUBLICITY RELEASE
FOR RELEASE MON JUNE 13 TO SUN JUNE 19
Full Moon Rising For A Matariki Finale On Maori Television
Maori Television concludes an exhilarating two weeks’ of celebrating Matariki – or the Maori New Year – with a live
extravaganza of entertainment this Sunday June 19 at 8.00 PM.
The HUAMATA MATARIKI SPECIAL broadcast’s live from Maori Television’s Newmarket-based studios this Sunday with a full
line-up of entertainment to coincide with the rising of the full moon.
Hosted by Te Ori Paki (Mitre 10 Marae DIY) and Waipounamu Teinakore, Manawaroa Teinakore and Tiare Teinakore – aka the
T-Sistaz – the hour-long special features a who’s who of Maoridom, both on stage and on the guest list.
With a special guest appearance by Prime Minister Helen Clark in her capacity as Minister for Culture and Heritage, the
special is opened in force by a performance from the T-Sistaz.
Then, the special sees the launch of Gifted and Brown – a tribute song to the late Phil Fuemana. Celebrated mana wahine
entertainer Mahinarangi Tocker performs Whiti Te Marama by the late Hirini Melbourne in a touching gesture to mark
Matariki. In addition, outstanding vocalist Che Fu will perform a fresh, hot track off his new album.
The HUAMATA MATARIKI SPECIAL will also see the inaugural performance of the grand final winners of trifecta
entertainment series Toru. Earlier in the evening at 5.30 PM, the Toru series screens its grand final to deem the best
trio of Mâori entertainers in the country! Will it be Midnight Russlerz from Waitahanui? Or Tû Toru from Hamilton? Or
perhaps Learners from Gisborne? Stay tuned to find out!
The special is produced by Livingstone Productions for broadcast on Maori Television and pulls in a heavyweight support
crew. Additional guests appearing include celebrated actors Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis, New Zealand’s first Maori
film maker Ramai Hayward, DJ Poroufessor, favourite ‘auntie’ Mable Wharekawa-Burt, Code presenter and ex-Silver Fern
Jenny-May Coffin, actresses Vanessa Rare and Christina Asher, mum-to-be Natashya Guttenbeil, ZM announcer Aroha
Hathaway, E Ko! presenter Veeshayne Armstrong, Maui lead principal Tamati Te Nohotu, NZ Mâori rugby representative Rua
Tipoki and the Reverend Hone Kaa.
With such an important celebration of Matariki and the Maori New Year set for broadcast on Maori Television, all that is
missing is you!
Join Maori Television in concluding the channel’s Matariki celebrations on the HUAMATA MATARIKI SPECIAL, this Sunday
June 19 at 8.00 PM.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MATARIKI VARIETY SPECIAL
Year 2005
Censor Not rated
Duration One hour music variety special
Language Maori and English languages
ENDS