Hoiho Returns for a Third Series

MEDIA RELEASE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Hoiho Returns for a Third Series on Māori Television

Saddle up for a new season of HOIHO, which sets out on a journey around the country to explore the bond between Māori communities and their horses, starting Thursday January 22 at 8.00pm.
The third series of HOIHO (horses) returns with a new presenter, Amomai Pihama, who takes part in activities including a game of polo, a cattle muster and the Great NZ Trek over 13 episodes.

“I was blown away by the diverse range of horse riding communities throughout the country,” says Pihama, who started riding during childhood holidays at her grandparents’ farm in the Waikato.

“The series really took me back to my roots. I fell off heaps and was bolted by a horse but I also met lots of great characters along the way. It was very special.”

Producers Brent Iremonger and Michelle Lee of Kapu Ti Productions say season three has a fresh and exciting feel.

“HOIHO is a celebration of Māori communities and how horses are a relevant component in their lives,” says Michelle.

“HOIHO evokes a sense of nostalgia for those of us who may no longer live in country places but still relate to them from the past. Every Māori whānau has their horse story.”

Māori have a long history with hoiho, with the first horses arriving in New Zealand with Europeans - a stallion and two mares first swam ashore 200 years ago at Northland’s Rangihoua Beach in December 1814 and Ngapuhi became the first horse-owning iwi.

HOIHO tells of the long history and special bond between Māori and their horses – the untold stories that offer insight into iwi social, political and economic history.

Sit back and enjoy the ride in HOIHO, starting Thursday January 22 at 8.00pm. Episodes will be available on demand at www.maoritelevision.com.

ENDS

Billings:
Episode one – screens January 22, at 8.00pm
Our new host Amomai Pihama takes a trip to Matakana Island for the Rā Hoiho and meets Hone Ngatai and his heavy horses.

Episode two – screens January 29, at 8.00pm
Amomai relives her pony club days with Geraldine and Maddison Puriri-Smith at the Poraiti pony club near Napier.
Episode three – screens February 5, at 8.00pm
The Awaroa Sports Day held near Kawhia is a highlight for the locals and those reviving horse sports in the district.

Episode four – screens 12 February, at 8.00pm
Ambury Park located in Mangere is the home to the Riding for the Disabled and Ambury Park School. Amomai meets the dedicated staff and students of this special place.

Episode five – screens February 19, at 8.00pm
Richard Kettle from Pakipaki is on a mission to teach a bunch of hard case boys from Hastings the game of polo. Amomai goes in swinging.

Episode six – screens February 26, at 8.00pm
We profile the godfather of New Zealand rodeo - the legendary Mervyn Church.

Episode seven – screens March 5, at 8.00pm
Amomai joins more than 150 riders and horses in Opotiki for the Peggy McDonald Trophy day.

Episode eight – screens March 12, at 8.00pm
Yeehaa! Amomai is off on a wild cattle round up on the remote West Coast of the North Island at Mangatoi Station.

Episode nine – screens March 19, at 8.00pm
The tiny village of Taharoa in the King Country hosts Amomai for a unique trek across their whenua. It’s a place that rarely gets seen by outsiders.

Episode ten – screens March 26, at 8.00pm
Rising star Chad Ormsby is taking on the best in the sport of kings; horse racing. Amomai joins him in Matamata for the day to see what makes him a champion.

Episode eleven – screens April 2, at 8.00pm
Amomai joins in on the Great New Zealand Trek with Hepa Paewai and his brothers Manahi and Ray. As they traverse the beautiful mountains of Te Wai Pounamu raising money for Multiple Sclerosis research.

Episode twelve – screens April 9, at 8.00pm
Horseman Taukiri Te Whata from Kaikohe learnt his craft from the masters of natural horsemanship. He now trains horses and riders from all over New Zealand and is looking to pass on his vast knowledge to the next generation.

Episode thirteen – screens April 16, at 8.00pm
Best of Season Three. We look back at the special places, people and horses of series three of Hoiho.

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