Tamariki Ora: a New Beginning

Tamariki Ora: a New Beginning – on Maori Television

Maori Television marks the Maori New Year, Matariki, with a two-night landmark broadcast to show how all New Zealanders can help to halt child abuse, and to tell – in compelling mini-documentary style – the inspiring stories of how families have emerged from the darkness of family violence.

Presented by Carol Hirschfeld, TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING is a total of five hours of primetime programming over two nights: Sunday June 27 and Monday June 28. It comprises:

• TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING (PART 1) – Sunday June 27 at 8.00 PM: Carol Hirschfeld introduces the honest, raw stories of men and women who made the courageous decisions to confront the violence in their midst. Find out how Kahurangi changed her life after her partner killed her three-year-old daughter; and meet Pat, who took action after she saw her son following her down a violent path. Learn why the first three years of a baby’s life determines its future; and get an insider’s look at Starship’s child crisis team in action. The directors are award-winners Kathleen Mantel, Michael Bennett and Karen MacKenzie.

• TAMARIKI ORA: THE SOUNDS OF HOPE – Sunday June 27 at 9.10 PM: Che Fu and Tigi Ness, Warren Maxwell, Maisey Rika, Hollie Smith, Young Sid and Mr Sicc, Dallas Tamaira, The Bellbirds and Wellington’s Kotuku Choir are among the artists who invite us into their homes for intimate acoustic performances dedicated to the children of New Zealand. This outstanding musical documentary is by award-winning music-video director Chris Graham.

• TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING (PART 2) – Monday June 28 at 8.00 PM: Families share their remarkable stories of how they turned away from violence. Ex-gang member Hurae recounts the horrifying sight that sparked his transformation from vicious abuser to community worker; and young mum Arnita explains how an innovative programme which videotapes parent-child conversations teaches her to be a better parent. Eminent historian Dame Anne Salmond explores how children were brought up in pre-colonial times; and we hear the evidence that New Zealand’s widening social inequality is fuelling violence. Solo mum-turned-Cabinet Minister Paula Bennett, police detective Scott Beard, former Children’s Commissioner Ian Hassall, Manu Caddie from Tairawhiti Men Against Violence and Anglican minister Dr Hone Kaa are among the special guests who will join Carol Hirschfeld in the studio to discuss the issues.

• TAMARIKI ORA: THE SOUNDS OF HOPE – Monday June 28 at 10.00 PM: A repeat of the musical tribute. Viewers are invited in to each performer’s home to enjoy acoustic, intimate songs dedicated to the children of the New Zealand – and to the hope that we will all play our part to halt child violence.

As well as the presenting role, Carol Hirschfeld is the Executive Producer of TAMARIKI ORA which is supported by NZ On Air’s Platinum Television Fund. “The courageous men and women who share their stories all decided to take a strong stand against child abuse and gathered supportive people around them to help them create a life without violence. These men and women show us why it is so important to take a stand against violence; we must all say enough is enough, and reach out to those who need support. This is a cause close to my heart, and I hope that this special Matariki broadcast will challenge and inspire us all to play our part in eradicating child violence.”

The Merata Mita documentary, SAVING GRACE, which was originally scheduled to form part of the TAMARIKI ORA broadcast, will now air at a later date. The documentary was unfinished when Merata Mita passed away suddenly late last month. Carol Hirschfeld says the filmmaker regarded SAVING GRACE as one of the most important documentaries of her career and it is fitting that the project is completed in a way that she would have wished. “Merata intended the documentary to count in ways that mattered deeply to her and to change perceptions of abuse and violence by using themes of responsibility, redemption, revitalisation, forgiveness and, most of all, love.”

TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING and TAMARIKI ORA: THE SOUNDS OF HOPE screens on Maori Television on Sunday June 27 and Monday June 28 from 8.00 PM. 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 the website, www.maoritelevision.com , for more information about this broadcast, including video on demand.

ENDS

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