Broadcast of Funeral for Samoa’s Head of State

PUBLICITY RELEASE
THURSDAY MAY 17 2007

Broadcast of Funeral for Samoa’s Head of State

New Zealand’s national indigenous broadcaster, Maori Television, will screen live coverage of the state funeral of Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, on Saturday May 19 from 8.30 AM.

The broadcast from Samoa – TUUMALO SUSUGA MALIETOA MATALAFILI II – will also be simulcast on the channel’s website, www.maoritelevision.com, and will include the service by the National Council of Churches and the funeral possession to the family tomb.

Malietoa, who passed away on May 11 at the age of 94, had led Samoa since it achieved independence in 1962.

At 12.00 PM, the channel will screen a documentary, SAMOANA, about events and personalities in the island state’s history using rarely-seen archival photographs, television news and independent film and media footage as well as face-to-camera interviews.

Then, from 1.00 PM, an hour-long package of highlights from the state funeral in Samoa will be broadcast before the channel’s scheduled programming resumes at 2.00 PM with the NZ Rugby League National Premiership.

Maori Television chief executive Jim Mather says research shows that more than 70 per cent of Pacific Islanders have watched the channel.

The tangihanga of the Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV of Tonga were both broadcast by the station and simulcast on its website last year.

“We are extremely proud to be able to fulfil the public service broadcaster role as the face of Aotearoa New Zealand,” Mr Mather says.

Maori Television is working with Television New Zealand and Televisi Samoa to broadcast the state funeral to all New Zealanders.

Viewers can call the helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628 2868) for advice on how to tune in to Maori Television or go to www.maoritelevision.com for more information.

ENDS