Maori Television Has Anzac Day Covered

Maori Television Has Anzac Day Covered

From Italy to Anzac Cove and back home again, broadcaster honours New Zealand’s fallen in a full-day line up on April 25

Ninety-nine years after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps stormed ashore at Gallipoli, Māori Television is again dedicating its entire April 25 programming schedule to Anzac Day.

Māori Television’s Anzac Day coverage is in its ninth year but 2014 is the first as the nation’s host broadcaster for the moving Anzac service at Chunuk Bair on the Gallipoli Peninsular. For the second year, Māori Television is host broadcaster for the Anzac Dawn Service at Auckland Domain.

The formidable presenting team of Judy Bailey, Julian Wilcox and Wena Harawira is again fronting the day’s coverage. In addition to the live crosses from Auckland and Turkey, Māori Television has assembled a compelling schedule of special documentaries and vignettes.

Māori Television General Manager of Programming Haunui Royal says the channel’s Anzac Day programming has become a perennial highlight in the channel’s calendar.

“As a channel we are privileged and honoured every year to be able to broadcast programmes that provide genuine insight into the sacrifices of previous generations.

“This year is no exception, and within this year’s all-day programming there are incredibly moving stories that will touch and engage all New Zealanders,” Royal says.

This year’s Anzac Day schedule highlights three significant stories – the 70th anniversaries of the Italian and Pacific Campaigns, and the B Company of the 28th Māori Battalion.

The line-up of presenters and interviewees includes military historians Dr Monty Soutar and Dr Stephen Clarke, New Zealand singer and actress Whirimako Black and former Māori All Black coach Matt Te Pou.

Broadcaster Cameron Bennett has again played a prominent role producing, directing and presenting a selection of programmes and there is a never-before-seen conversation with Sir Peter Jackson talking about his screen ambitions for the story of the Dambusters.

Highly regarded performer Tama Waipara is musical director for the 7.30pm Anzac Concert in which a number of top New Zealand musicians, including Bic Runga, Julia Deans, Maisey Rika and Ria Hall, acknowledge the impact of war through song.

Māori Television’s Anzac Day coverage begins at 5.50am on April 25 and runs until midnight. All Anzac Day content is in English or with English sub-titles.

Some content will also be available via live stream on www.maoritelevision.com, where viewers can also find additional information and imagery.

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