E-Pānui 193: Monday December 17 to Sunday December 23 2007

A FEAST OF CHRISTMAS SPECIALS …

Māori Television is decorating the studio with tinsel in anticipation of a bumper schedule of Christmas specials.

Comedian Pio Terei (pictured) explores the highs and lows of the ‘silly season’ as he travels the country in search of the quintessential Kiwi Christmas in PINE OR POHUTUKAWA – screening in the NZ Documentary slot, Pakipūmeka Aotearoa, this Wednesday December 19 at 8.30 PM.

“I think that Aotearoa has a distinct way of celebrating Christmas and it all revolves around us being a laid-back nation, who enjoy being around family and friends, surrounded by ocean and sun at that time of year," says producer Aroha Shelford.

“There is so much happening for people at Christmas time that it was hard to fit it all into the documentary – we hope everyone enjoys this snippet of the way we celebrate it!”

Next up is PŪKANA IN THE PARK on Saturday December 22 at 4.00 PM. The award-winning Māori language children’s programme once again hosts the annual event at Auckland’s Tāhaki Reserve which attracts hundreds of children.

This year’s line-up includes the Pūkana cast and Homai Te Pakipaki stars Robert Ruha and Jasmine Taare as well as Ardijah’s Betty-Anne and Ryan Monga, Brannigan Kaa from Māorioke, dance troupe Xqwizit and Te Kapa Haka o Hoani Waititi.

Then, Christmas comes early for iwi-tainment community events show
MĀ TĀTOU on Sunday December 23 at 6.30 PM. Presenters Te Hāmua Nikora and Veeshayne Patuwai are joined by reporters Lanita Ririnui-Ryan and Paora Crump for laughs, live music and, of course, plenty of kai!

Te Hāmua and Veesh have the solution to clean up the mess with ‘Dirty Soaps’ while Lanita and Paora are joined by pig hunters Te Mape Simich-Pene and Justin Ryan (pictured) who share in a couple of hard-case hunting stories and add a touch of class to the festive iwi feast.

Roots reggae band Street Parade rounds off the entertainment with tunes to wash away any Christmas blues.

coming up ON MĀORI TELEVISION:

ITI POUNAMU – Monday December 17 at 9.30 PM

NZ Short Films, Truant: Evan rides the bus all day instead of going to school – but when he gets off to follow Romy, she teaches him a lesson about life. Hosted by Ainsley Gardiner and Tearepa Kahi with studio guest, director Michael Duignan.

ORDINARY PEOPLE – Tuesday December 18 at 8.30 PM

International Documentary, Pakipūmeka ō te Ao: For generations in Silesia, Poland, mining has been a way of life. But change in many forms has finally hit the region and the Mzryk family faces disintegration and cultural disruption for the first time.

NGĀ RIPO – Wednesday December 19 at 8.00 PM

A remarkable couple share their thoughts on whānau, marriage and running a family business. Hinemotu Paama (Ngaiterangi) and Tukapa Harawira (Ngāti Ranginui) made a pact that they have kept for almost 70 years.

GRAFFITI VERITE – Friday December 21 at 8.30 PM

This four-part series explores the underground art and music scene of urban Los Angeles, challenging traditional perceptions of graffiti art and artists by introducing viewers to more than 400 pieces of high-end street art.

KAITIAKI – Saturday December 22 at 7.00 PM

Stoats and possums may have destroyed much of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna but at Maungatautari, the magic is being restored by a special fence which keeps out pests – a dream come true for Ngāti Koroki Kahukura who participate in the re-introduction of long lost species.

PARADISE IMPERFECT – Sunday December 23 at 4.00 PM

Part one of a two-part documentary on Papua New Guinea – one of the world's last remaining unchartered territories. This exotic, complex and contradictory land has a population of just five million who speak more than 850 languages.

SEEDS – Sunday December 23 at 9.00 PM

Sunday Feature, Kiriata Rātapu: For three life-changing weeks, teenagers from Israel and the Palestinian territories, India and Pakistan undertake the challenge of living with their “enemies” as they attempt to build the one thing they all strive for: a future based on peace and reconciliation.

Getting to Air

Our daily schedule is:

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 )