Maori Television announces Deal to screen ANZ Championship on Te Reo Channel

Maori Television has confirmed a deal with SKY to screen the 2014 ANZ Championship free-to-air on the Te Reo Channel from March 4.

In a first for New Zealand television, the Maori language channel will screen delayed coverage of one game from each round of the 17-week competition, including the finals, on Tuesday nights at 8.30pm.

Ex-Silver Fern Jenny-May Coffin and former Maori Television sports reporter Taroi Black will provide commentary in 100 per cent te reo Maori.

ANZ Championship General Manager Andrew Crook says he is extremely excited that even more netball fans will be able to enjoy watching the world’s best netball league on the Te Reo channel.

“Each year as part of our strategic goals, the ANZ Championship actively looks to develop and improve the broadcast reach offering fans and viewers more netball.”

Maori Television General Manager of Programming Haunui Royal says the agreement to screen the netball championships marks a significant step forward for the Te Reo Channel, which was founded in 2008.

“Netball is a great fit for the channel and our Maori sportswomen are fantastic role models for our younger viewers so we’re excited to be bringing the games to a free-to-air audience.”

“The fact that we are screening the games on the Te Reo Channel demonstrates our commitment to developing this important resource.”

Jenny-May Coffin, who has been completing a Maori immersion course at Te Wananga Takiura, said she is delighted to be commentating in Maori.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime to be using my reo to talk about a game that I love and I’m delighted to have Taroi by my side.”

The 2014 ANZ Championship will screen every Tuesday at 8.30pm on the Te Reo Channel. The first game has the Central Pulse take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds on March 4.

The Te Reo Channel is available on SKY: channel 082 and Freeview: channel 24.

ENDS

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