Media Advisory
Tuesday March 24 2009

Raising The Moko – Hard-Hitting Social Documentary On Maori Television

Raising the first grandchild is a tradition amongst Maori, but these days is an unrecognised and under-funded struggle for many grandparents.

RAISING THE MOKO, to screen on Maori Television on Wednesday March 25 at 8.30 PM, offers an unflinching insight into the lives of whanau battling to raise happy, healthy mokopuna.

“Bringing up the first moko is a traditional rite of passage for Maori grandparents,” says producer Megan Douglas, of Scottie Productions. “It’s a chance for the child to be steeped in their culture, traditions, reo, tikanga and whakapapa. But times have changed. This documentary provides our audience with a window into the reality of raising your children’s children.”

Often the children end up with their grandparents in harrowing circumstances, and death, drug addiction and prison are all common circumstances.

This documentary looks at the lives of four whanau to look at the joy and pain, and the struggle for state recognition of the financial and emotional hardship involved.

RAISING THE MOKO is directed by Kathleen Mantel, whose credits include LEAVING THE EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN, CROWDED HOUSE (on adult children who still live with their parents) and KIDS (on teenage pregnancy).

A serious issue that affects an increasing number of New Zealanders - RAISING THE MOKO, to screen on Maori Television on Wednesday March 25 at 8.30 PM.

ENDS

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