E-Pānui 155: Monday March 26 to Sunday April 1 2007
LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!
The full-on battling begins for the taiaha-wielding men chosen to compete in TOA O AOTEAROA – the new reality show screening on Māori Television every Monday night at 9.30 PM.
The warrior left standing at the end of the 13-part series takes home a $10,000 prize and the title of TOA O AOTEAROA champion. But in ancient times, the victor wouldn’t have walked away with money – his prize would have been his life, says producer Reuben Collier, of Rotorua-based Māui Productions.
“Everyone has seen the taiaha used in kapa haka as a cultural art form but TOA O AOTEAROA takes taiaha off the stage and puts it into its true context – as a weapon of combat,” Reuben explains.
“This is a truly New Zealand martial art form and believe me, these guys don’t hold back. It’s easy to see why one warrior with a taiaha was able to defeat large groups of attackers. One well-aimed blow would have been deadly.”
That’s why Reuben developed a protective suit for the fighters which includes a chest plate, fibre-glass helmet, steel face cage, back protector and padded leather gloves.
“At the end of a bout, we would be hammering dents out of the helmets,” says Reuben. “Even with the suit on, the fighters felt the blows hard. And I mean really painful! Those men didn’t want to be the ones facing off at the end of each day.
“Only one body area is left exposed and that’s the buttocks. But no true warrior should be hit there anyway, because that means he would have to be running away.”
Aged between 17 and 56, the 10 competitors are: Hohua Smith (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu) from Wellington; Hone Stevens (Ngai Tahu) from Christchurch; Te Rangiparutini Haddon (Ngāti Ruanui) from Taranaki; Calib Pomana-Wesley (Ngāti Kahungunu) from Wellington; Richard Wharerahi (Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu) from Rotorua; Jeremy Murray (Tainui, Ngai Te Rangi) from the Waikato; Terry Watts (Ngapuhi) from Whangārei; Logan Pokai (Ngāti Porou, Ngapuhi) from Gisborne; Tipene Rangihuna (Ngāti Porou) from Wellington; and Owen Wells (Te Arawa) from Rotorua.
The sensei/judge is Wetini Mitai-Ngatai (Te Arawa) and the referee is Tukiterangi Curtis (Ngāti Rongomai) who both hail from Rotorua.
Step back in time and into the ring as 10 challengers battle for the title of ultimate Māori warrior in TOA O AOTEAROA – screening on Māori Television every Monday night at 9.30 PM.
coming up ON MĀORI TELEVISION:
TAU KĒ – Monday to Friday at 4.00 PM
Robynleigh Emery and the lovable Nanny Mihi present more reo Māori shows for the kiddies. Join your favourite toys in Playschool (pictured) – the classic show for tamariki with a Māori twist – followed by the animated children’s adventure Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends.
A LITTLE CORNER OF TIBET: UN ANGOLO DIT – Tuesday March 27 at 8.30 PM
International Documentary, Pakipūmeka ō te Ao: In the heartland of India, a Tibetan community in exile has recreated their own world. Through the eyes of a nine-year-old child studying to be a Buddhist monk, this documentary reveals how a little corner of Tibet manages to keep its traditions alive.
TAKATĀPUI – Tuesday March 27 at 10.30 PM
The only show for gay, lesbian and transsexual Māori proves it isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues by investigating the closure of Herne Bay House, a care and support facility for people with HIV in Auckland.
THE SEX LIFE OF US – Wednesday March 28 at 8.30 PM
The second and final part of this ground-breaking debate special. A light-hearted, open and frank discussion about New Zealanders and sex which breaks the ice on a delicate and often taboo subject that has a wide-ranging impact on our society.
NGĀTI NRL – Thursday March 29 at 8.00 PM
The league season heats up in this reality show about young Māori and Pacific Island hopefuls trying to make it big in the NRL. Join our Kiwi boys across the ditch as they slog it out at training, grit their teeth through injury and put it all on the line every time they step on the paddock.
TE TĒPU – Sunday April 1 at 5.00 PM
Labour MP Shane Jones and Māori Land Court chief judge Joe Williams discuss local, national and international current affairs – entirely in reo Māori – with host Waihoroi Shortland (pictured). Repeats on Wednesday April 4 with English language subtitles.
SAMSARA – Sunday April 1 at 9.00 PM
Sunday Feature, Kiriata Rātapu: The age-old story of a spiritual man torn between a holy life and the love of a woman is told among the majestic Himalayas. Beautifully-filmed and well-acted, this movie follows the monk as he decides on the path he must take.
Getting to Air
Our daily schedule is:
| Monday to Friday | 3.00pm - 11.30pm | |
| Saturday & Sunday | 2.00pm - 11.30pm |
Viewers can tune in to Māori Television in six ways:
1. Via Freeview
Crystal clear, digital quality television with no monthly fees and no contracts. Visit www.freeviewnz.tv, call 0800-Freeview, or ask a sales person at a Freeview accredited appliance retailer.
2. Via the UHF frequency
To receive Māori Television via the UHF frequency, you need to have a UHF aerial and be within the coverage range. You can check our coverage maps to find out if you are within the coverage area: www.maoritelevision.com/coverage. If you need to purchase an aerial, call your local television aerial installation retailer. You will find these services listed in the Yellow Pages.
3. Via satellite
If you are not within our coverage area, you can access Māori Television via satellite by purchasing a satellite dish and receiver from your local television aerial installation service.
4. As a Sky Digital subscriber
If you are a Sky Digital subscriber, you will find Māori Television on channel 19 of your Sky remote.
5. As a Sky UHF subscriber
If you are a Sky UHF subscriber, you will find Māori Television on button 6 of your Sky remote.
6. Via Saturn TV
If you receive Saturn TV, you can tune in to Māori Television through channel button 33. Saturn customers – please leave your decoders switched on to be able to receive this channel.
If you are still unsure or need any assistance, call the channel’s tune-in helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 62 82 868).
For More Information
Check our website www.maoritelevision.com/coverage or for guidance on how to tune-in call 0800 MA TATOU ( 0800 62 82868 )
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| DISCLAIMER While Māori Television has taken every care to ensure that the information contained in this e-panui is complete and accurate, it does not represent or warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information in this e-panui or that this information is suitable for your intended use. Māori Television accepts no responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with your use of this e-panui and the information contained in it. Kia ora. |