PUBLICITY RELEASE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2008
More Marae Makeovers – On Maori Television!
It’s the marae makeover show with the biggest heart, the hardest workers, and the proudest whanau and friends – the
fifth series of MARAE DIY is back on Maori Television from Sunday October 12 at 8.00 PM.
On the first day of filming for the latest Marae DIY series, one crew member did a head count – and was staggered to
find that over 220 whanau and friends had turned up to support the planned marae makeover. Perhaps a first day record
for any series, it was immediately obvious just how much the show continues to touch the lives and hearts of communities
around New Zealand-Aotearoa.
“After four years, the challenge and excitement definitely remains,” says the show’s creator, producer and presenter,
Nevak Ilolahia (Tonga, Rongowhakaata).
Her co-presenters this year are Te Ori Paki (Tuwharetoa, Tuhoe), landscaper David Clayton-Greene (Ngati Pakeha) and
builder Monty Ritai (Te Atiawa).
Each marae has its own magic, offering a unique story and whanau experience –but they also have a kernel of truth in
common: when hundreds of people come together to make a positive change, something profound happens. Many faces are
filled with pride as people remember what their tipuna –ancestors – have done to contribute to the marae, and this show
is seen as the next generation’s time to give something back.
The Qantas winner in the best reality division last year kicks off its nationwide tour this year with the deserving iwi
at Te Patunga Marae in Kaeo, then heads around the motu.
Each of the seven, one-hour bilingual programmes combine a mix of tribal history, a glimpse at local traditional
practices – and, of course, lots of laughter.
Series Five sees the MARAE DIY team visit the following marae:
Te Patunga Marae – Kaeo – Sunday October 12 at 8.00 PM:
The team head north into Ngapuhi country, and in four days learn about the area, the Whangaroa Harbour – and work
wonders with an acoustically-challenged wharekai and drive-through atea.
Marokopa Marae – Marokopa - Sunday October 19 at 8.00 PM:
No phone, two hours to the nearest hardware store and an awa (river) to cross. This week, the show travels to the remote
recesses of the west coast into Maniapoto territory.
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP SPECIAL – SUNDAY OCTOBER 26 at 8.00 PM
Rangataua Marae – Poroporo, Whakatane - Sunday November 2 at 8.00 PM:
Centennary celebrations are just around the corner – and the DIY doyennes arrive just in time - for this Whakatane
marae.
Motairehe Marae – Great Barrier Island – Sunday November 9 at 8.00 PM:
In possibly the most remote location yet, this week the team are on Great Barrier Island to landscape, paint and remodel
the marae, and experience the warmth and welcome of the island locals.
Hurunga Te Rangi Marae - Rotorua – Sunday November 16 at 8.00 PM:
The size of the atea is making life hard for kaikaranga, while the tangata whenua shelter is just too small. Find out
what happens when you mix Ngati Whakaue whanau, wet weather and a town full of fun.
Waiti Marae – Waikato – Sunday November 23 at 8.00 PM:
This week it’s off to the mighty Waikato, into Ngati Paoa country, where one of the marae is about to be dragged into
the 21st Century. A new kitchen is on the cards.
Kawhaiki Marae –Wanganui – Sunday November 30 at 8.00 PM:
The team head to the ‘Valley of the Voices’, as the area is known, meet Tariana Turia, visit Awa FM, learn some local
history – and of course, do some mahi.
Join the team for more heart-warming makeovers when MARAE DIY premieres on Maori Television on Sunday October 12 at 8.00 PM.
ENDS