Christchurch Earthquake Memorial on Canterbury and Maori TV

27 January 2011

Christchurch Earthquake Memorial to screen live on Canterbury Television and Maori Television

Canterbury Television chairman Nick Smith and Maori Television chief executive Jim Mather have announced that the full Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service will screen live on both channels on February 22.

Mr Smith said the stations want to commemorate the anniversary of this significant event with all people in New Zealand as well as those in Canterbury who suffered the devastation of the earthquake first-hand.

He said he was pleased Maori Television has stepped up to provide support for the special broadcast.

“Maori Television has committed to contribute to the costs associated with the broadcast, and CTV staff and affected families are most grateful for their support.

“CTV is also exploring other funding options for the actual service,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Mather said the decision to broadcast the memorial live for all New Zealanders was “the right thing to do” given CTV’s tragic loss of 16 staff on February 22 last year.

“Maori Television is proud to continue its support of CTV following our successful Rise Up Christchurch Telethon and the transmission support we gave CTV to get back on air in the aftermath of the earthquake,” he said.

Maori Television presenter and host of its award-winning current affairs show, Native Affairs, Julian Wilcox, will join CTV presenter Rob Cope-Williams in fronting the memorial broadcast.

The Mainland Press, which also helped CTV get back on air after the station was destroyed, will partner CTV and Maori Television for the transmission.

The telecast starts at 12.00pm on February 22 and ends at 1.30pm.

ENDS