30 June 2015

Māori TV crew returning safely from Israel

A Māori Television crew will be flown back from Israel after their boat was detained by the Israeli Navy while attempting to break the Gaza blockade.

Native Affairs senior reporter Ruwani Perera and cameraman Jacob Bryant, were invited to join the Freedom Flotilla FF3 as observers to document their quest by New Zealand organisation Kia Ora Gaza.

Head of News and Current Affairs Maramena Roderick says Ms Perera and Mr Bryant are both safe and well and are expected to arrive back in New Zealand tomorrow.

She says Māori Television staff are working with authorities at the New Zealand embassy in Ankara, Turkey to support the crew.

“Foreign Affairs says their embassy staff in Ankara had informed them that both Ruwani and Jacob have been treated well and with respect by local authorities.

“We appreciate the assistance of embassy officials to bring our crew home. The contingencies plans we had all worked so carefully on our now falling into place.”

Ms Roderick says the safety of our crew has and will always remain a priority for the network. “Our team is committed to their safe return home.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media