NZ-On-Air-Correction

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-

NZ-ON-AIR-CORRECTION

EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO LURED AWAY FROM EDINBURGH TO NZ

Attached is an amended copy of the above release. Please note that the substantive changes are: * that the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at New Zealand Festival 2000 is NOT sold-out and tickets are still available; and * the granting of NZ On Air funding is subject to agreement on production between TVNZ and New Zealand Festival organisers.

Thanks to NZ On Air funding assistance, all New Zealanders may have ringside seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, being held at the Wellington Stadium on March 10-13, as part of the New Zealand Festival 2000.

NZ On Air has agreed to fund a special programme based on the live event, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo In New Zealand. TV One is currently negotiating with Festival organisers for production.

NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall said that New Zealand had strong links with Scotland.

"We have more pipe bands per capita than any other country in the world," said Ms Tyndall.

"Many New Zealanders boast a proud Scottish heritage, which adds to the event's popularity.

"A television special would mean that all New Zealanders - not just those with the means or opportunity to attend the New Zealand Festival 2000 - would be able to experience this great event," said Ms Tyndall.

Ms Tyndall said that the Tattoo's performance in Wellington meant that more than two thirds of the more than 1000 participants in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in New Zealand are in fact New Zealand performers.

"This makes the event all the more significant for a New Zealand audience - especially since the local acts featured are of the type that we rarely see on our screens, such as army bands, marching teams and pipe bands," said Ms Tyndall.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo has traditionally entertained 200,000 people every year from Edinburgh Castle, plus a worldwide television audience of millions. This is the first time in its 50- year history that the Tattoo has been held outside of Edinburgh.

NZ On Air also announced funding for a television special on ANZAC Day, to allow people all over the country to participate in ANZAC remembrance proceedings, even if they can't make it to a dawn ceremony.

Ms Tyndall, said that the ceremony was of particular significance to war veterans and their families, many of whom relied on the television special to bring the ceremony into their homes.

"There is also evidence that a growing number of young New Zealanders are commemorating ANZAC Day. The television special is for all New Zealanders. It's a day in our history that is commemorated by so many people," said Ms Tyndall.

The Anzac Day National Wreath Laying Ceremony 2000 will screen at 11am on Anzac Day (Tuesday 25 April) on TV One.

NZ On Air has allocated $40,000 to TVNZ for production of the 90 minute special, The Edinburgh Military Tattoo In New Zealand, and $27,444 to TVNZ for the one-hour special, ANZAC Day National Wreath Laying Ceremony 2000.

ENDS....

For further information:

Jo Tyndall

Chief Executive

NZ On Air

Tel: (04) 382 9524

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