A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE PEOPLE OF THE EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY ON MĀORI TELEVISION

12 December 2007

Māori Television’s new and unique insight into the rural people of the Eastern Bay of Plenty is the six-part series TE HAUKĀINGA, premiering Sunday January 13 at 5.00 PM.

TE HAUKĀINGA (people of the land) looks at those who live within their tribal lands, surrounded by their rivers, lakes, forests and sea.

Some have never left the land they call home. Called Ngā Pakaiahi (keepers of fire), these are the people who carry the history of the area; the unique stories, anecdotes, songs and lifestyle.

Made by Rotorua’s Karu Productions, TE HAUKĀINGA is a look at places that time has almost forgotten; an insight into lifestyles all but extinct.

Producer Puhi Rangiaho says the series is a salute to those who have eschewed the city lifestyle and stayed on their land.

“It was a privilege to be able to visit with these very private people and get a glimpse of their lives and their kaupapa.”

Coming up in TE HAUKĀINGA;

RUATUHUNA/MAUNGAPOHATU – Sunday January 13, 2008 at 5.00 PM: Kaumātua Ron Tahi and his daughter Te Hauauru, a teacher at the local school, share their stories of Ruatahuna. We also visit Maungapohatu and speak to the descendants of Tūhoe prophet Rua Kenana. Ruatahuna was where Rua Kenana and his followers sought refuge and where the last bullet of the New Zealand wars was fired in 1916.

RUĀTOKI – Sunday January 20, 2008 at 5.00 PM: Ruātoki is the venue for a language forum the Tūhoe Education Authority is holding at the Mahurehure Marae. Tamati Kruger and Te Hue Rangi speak about conversational language, the language of the marae and the language of the tohunga. Sadly Te Hue Rangi passed away earlier this year.

TANEATUA - Sunday January 27, 2008 at 5.00 PM: George and Rangipuke Tari share stories of the once thriving Taneatua township including the excitement of the arrival of the railways at Taneatua where most of the local men were able to get work – and we share in the 80 th birthday celebrations of local George Thrupp.

TE TEKO - Sunday February 3, 2008 at 5.00 PM: Locals Dick and Kena Hunia have had market gardens in Te Teko for many years. We join Kena Hunia in her gardens and talk with her about the area. Local kaumātua Wiremu (Bully) Pryor opens up about the changes he has seen over the years. Noki Te Poono talks about the importance of his faith, Ringatu and Te Rangitaiki River.

RARANGA - Sunday February 10, 2008 at 5.00 PM: This week, Eddie Maxwell is profiled – a humble weaver. Initially shunned by women weavers, Eddie has now become one of our most outstanding practitioners of the art. Weaving for more than 40 years, he understands Māori but is too shy to speak it. Kaa Anderson and Rita Toko and other weavers share stories about this wonderful artist.

ONEPU – TŪWHARETOA KI KAWERAU - Sunday February 17, 2008 at 5.00 PM: Directly behind the Norske Skog Pulp and Paper mill in Kawerau are two distinct hills named Te Whakatakanga Kohatu a Hine Te Ariki and Tirotiro Whetu. It was from here the stars would be studied awaiting the best time to plant kumara. Locals talk about the changes they have seen within Kawerau and Onepu.

Join Māori Television for this compelling view of Aotearoa – TE HAUKĀINGA, premiering Sunday January 13 2008 at 5.00 PM.

Ends

Sandy Hodge
Kaiwhakaputa (Publicist)
Māori Television
DDI +64 9 539 7009
MOB: +64 21 325 826
EML: sandy.hodge@maoritelevision.com