Maori Television Presenter Scoops Prestigious Book Award

PUBLICITY RELEASE

Thursday 2 August 2012

Maori Television Presenter Scoops Prestigious Book Award

Maori Television presenter and veteran broadcaster Chris Winitana has won the 2012 New Zealand Post Maori Language Award for his book, Toku Reo, Toku Ohooho: My Language, My Inspiration.

In what has been described by judges as a ground-breaking te reo Maori publication, Winitana’s book explores the struggle to save the Maori language over the past 40 years.

Winitana – a Maori language and culture consultant, writer, journalist, teacher and television and music producer – became the host of TE TEPU, Maori Television’s 100 per cent te reo current affairs show in June.

“Writing about the histrionics of the Maori language in this book has been a great springboard for presenting TE TEPU,” he says.

The weekly programme features prominent kaumatua as well as some of the country’s best speakers of te reo Maori who share their views on local, national and international issues.

TE TEPU executive producer Hone Edwards says: “We’re delighted for Chris. This award is further confirmation of his ability to tackle issues on TE TEPU that are relevant to all Maori.”

ENDS

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