It's Your Health, Your Choice On Maori Television

MAY 15, 2007
PUBLICITY RELEASE

It's Your Health, Your Choice On Maori Television

Maori Television's top-rating health show WARRANT OF FITNESS is back for its second season - premiering Monday July 23 at 8.00 PM.

The 13-part, half-hour series is produced by Auckland-based production company Faultline Films and presents health information from a uniquely Maori perspective.

The series is presented by Dr Rawiri Jansen (Ngati Raukawa) - a GP in South Auckland and a lecturer at the University of Auckland's School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr Jansen's main focus is running clinical teaching and reo and tikanga Maori programmes for Maori health professionals.

He says while the health issues facing Maori are complex, the answers are mostly simple - early diagnosis and treatment and prevention programmes for basics such as smoking, alcohol and nutrition, along with affordable medications and better access to specialists.

"We look at the case histories of real people and tell their stories and I'm sure it will have real resonance with our viewers. The answers they find will be true for many of the population."

In WARRANT OF FITNESS, the concepts of health and well-being go beyond just being physically well. The series turns the spotlight on health to 'whakahauora' - getting healthy.

Each episode tackles a different health problem - from the damage 'P' has done to an entire family to the inspiring story of one man's weight loss journey.

The new series of WARRANT OF FITNESS tackles a bad nicotine addiction, looks at the nightmare of sleep apnoea and shares an insight into the life of a teenage mum.

"WARRANT OF FITNESS is not about short-term changes. It is about choosing whakaora and making a commitment to the future and that of the whanau," says producer Amanda Jones.

In the first episode (Monday July 23 at 8.00 PM), viewers are introduced to Kui Emerson (Ngati Kahungunu, Rongwhakaata, Te Aianga a Mahaki), Nora Connely (Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata) and Polly Richardson (Ngai Tamanuhiri, Rongowhaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki) who prove that age is no barrier to good health. The three Manutuke kuia have taken up the challenge of the SHE triathlon

Further in the series, meet Terry Ehau (Ngati Porou), a health worker as he faces a stomach stapling operation. Learn the facts about this procedure and how Terry's dramatic weight loss has changed his life.

The series also introduces Sonny Mahia (Ngai Tuhoe, Te Aitanga a Mahaki) who suffers from crippling arthritis. Sonny was once a professional wrestler and surf lifesaver but now he can barely walk. Also meet Patrick Tangaere (Ngati Porou) who at just 31 years of age is a candidate for a heart attack because of his elevated cholesterol levels.

For a unique health show, tune in to the premiere of WARRANT OF FITNESS on Maori Television on Monday July 23 at 8.00 PM.

Ends

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