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Tautoko Your Roopu - Turn On Your TV!
PUBLICITY RELEASE
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22 2007
Tautoko Your Roopu - Turn On Your TV!
Witness Maori performing arts at its best when Maori Television presents exclusive and extensive coverage of Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2007 from tonight (Thursday February 22).
Some 30 kapa haka teams are poised to compete at the country's premier Maori arts festival which will be hosted by Rangitane at Palmerston North's Arena Manawatu this weekend.
New Zealand's national indigenous broadcaster, Maori Television will screen special updates and highlights during all four days of the festival - Thursday to Sunday, February 22 to 25, from 10.00 PM to 11.00 PM.
The channel will also broadcast live from the finals on Sunday February 25 from 10.00 AM to 3.30 PM as the top six teams challenge for the coveted national title before the announcement of the supreme winner.
Julian Wilcox and Oriini Kaipara will present Maori Television's exclusive coverage, HAKA '07, with support from rangatahi reporters Whakaangi and Tumehe Rongonui.
A new initiative is the People's Choice voting competition where members of the audience - both on site or watching at home - can vote for their favourite team by phone texting.
Voting begins at 11.00 AM on Sunday February 25 and closes at 7.00 PM that night with the overall People's Choice announced on the 7.30 PM bulletin of Maori news programme TE KAEA. Votes cost 99 cents per text with all proceeds going to Te Matatini for the development of kapa haka.
Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard urged every New Zealander to watch the broadcast on Maori Television.
"In my view, Te Matatini offers a unique New Zealand cultural experience. If it is not protected, supported and encouraged here, then no-one else in the world is going to do that.
"Te Matatini is an inspiring festival and illustrates the sheer passion that drives our creative people."
HAKA '07 - only on Maori Television - on Thursday to Sunday February 22 to 25 from 10.00 PM to 11.00 PM; and live on Sunday February 25 from 10.00 AM to 3.30 PM.
Viewers can call the helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628 2868) for advice on how to tune into the channel.
Ends
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