Teen Speak in Ruatoria

NZ On Air brings young Maori to mainstream television through funding for the National Secondary Schools Maori Speech Competition.

The competition has, for the first time, attracted screen time outside of the Maori- language programmes, Marae and Waka Hui. The programme producers will receive half of the required funding from Te Mangai Paho and NZ On Air will fund the balance of $66,032.

“This is high quality Maori-English language programming that we wholeheartedly support. It is vital that New Zealanders have access to bilingualism, and national television is a natural vehicle for this,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall.

“Nga Manu Korero is a positive, inspiring ‘teen-doco’ that will provide an in-depth look at how rangatahi prepare for one of the most prestigious competitions in the country.”

Young people from 24 schools will be involved in the competition, which is being held in Ruatoria.

Both junior and senior divisions will be featured in the programme with participants entering the English or Maori language section. The four half-hour programmes will be 50/50 Maori-English language and will feature the speeches and behind-the-scenes interviews with the young contestants.

Nga Manu Korero will screen on TV One during October.

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For further information:
Jo Tyndall
Chief Executive
NZ On Air
Tel: (04) 382 9524

This media release is available on the Internet, at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Nga Manu Korero $66,032
4 x ½ hr programmes
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Claudette Hauiti, Front of the Box Productions.

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