As we celebrate Maori language week NZ On Air is pleased to announce support for a range of new television programmes that help to bring te ao Maori to broad New Zealand audiences.

As we celebrate Maori language week NZ On Air is pleased to announce support for a range of new television programmes that help to bring te ao Maori to broad New Zealand audiences.

Self-taught Maori cooking sensations Kasey and Karena Bird are set to take te reo me ona tikanga to the world with a new series on TV One that will explore different cultures. Kasey And Karena’s Diplomatic Mission takes the Masterchef winners from Maketu on a gastronomic journey to 10 of New Zealand’s overseas diplomatic posts.

The programme promises a blend of cultures and cooking styles, and is a rare opportunity to integrate te reo into prime time content.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will take a more sombre journey helping recount the experiences of New Zealand soldiers at the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Somme: The Bloodiest Battle will mark a dark episode in NZ military history with its centennial commemoration next year. The programme, with a focus on the role of the Maori battalion, will screen on Maori Television on Anzac Day 2016.

Continuing the journey theme, Pio Terei will be back with a second season of Te Araroa: Tales From The Trails. As he travels New Zealand's longest walkway, Pio hears local stories and histories from hardcase kiwis who are the lifeblood of the communities they live in.

On a lighter note, popular Pacific comedians Pani and Pani will go in search of their ultimate Island warrior. Pani and Pani Search For Mr Lavalava was a successful segment in the NZ On Air-funded youth Pacific series Fresh.

Now they’re getting their own show, putting a group of men through Pacific and Maori-themed challenges to ultimately crown a winner. Each episode will be a mixture of Maori and Pacific talent with te reo me ona tikanga featuring alongside wider Pacific cultural elements. It will screen on Maori Television.

NZ On Air is also supporting a webseries that will be hosted on Maori Television Ondemand. The death of a young child will be explored from the perspective of eight Maori women directors. Constructed as eight 10 minute webisodes, Waru is an opportunity to explore a sensitive subject through a creative Maori lens.

“These projects represent remarkable diversity within our specific strand of funding for Maori programming. In particular we are excited by the opportunities for the talent of Maori women to shine both as the writers and directors of Waru, and on screen with Kasey and Karena,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

Funding details

• Kasey And Karena’s Diplomatic Mission, 10 x ½ hr, Imagination Television for TV One $991,333
• Te Araroa Tales From The Trails 2, 7 x 1 hr, Scottie Douglas Productions for Maori Television $295,000
• Somme – The Bloodiest Battle, 1 x 1 ½ hrs, Scottie Douglas Productions for Maori TV $220,000
• Waru, 8 x 10 mins, Brown Sugar Apple Grunt for Maori Television Ondemand $215,000
• Mr Lavalava, 7 x ½ hr, Tikilounge Productions for Maori Television $210,000

Media Release: NZ On Air
31/07/2015