NZ On Air Favours Cultural Mix

NZ On Air has announced funding for three programmes which feature the lives of Asian, Maori and Pacific Island communities living in New Zealand.

“People from a diverse range of cultures call New Zealand home,“ said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jo Tyndall.

“It is important that our cultural diversity is reflected on the television screens of all New Zealanders. These programmes will play a key role in developing cross- cultural understanding in New Zealand society, ” she said.

Tagata Pasifika focuses on Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand. The series has gained popularity in recent years, covering a range of issues including health, sport, politics and the arts. The programme includes a comedy sketch slot, written and performed by Pacific Island artists.

An established Asian programme returns for a further season with a new name and a new look. Asia Down Under, formerly Asia Dynamic, is a fast paced and informative magazine-style programme that has established a loyal and diverse audience over the past six years.

Asia Down Under will continue to reflect the daily lives of New Zealand’s Asian communities, including politics, religion, food and arts in the mix. Three new features of the programme will comprise coverage of business activities, a soap-box slot and a segment on speaking ‘colloquial kiwi’.

The identity of successful Maori athletes will be revealed at the Moana Pacific Maori Sports Awards, to be held on December 8th at the Turangawaewae marae.

‘NZ On Air is funding the televised highlights of the awards which celebrates and honours Maori athletes, sports administrators and coaches, “ said Ms Tyndall.

Past winners of the Supreme Award have included Leilani Joyce and Michael Campbell.

The highlights will broadcast in mid December, a week after the actual award ceremony.

Tagata Pasifika producers have been allocated $1,215,641 to produce 52, half hour programmes, to be broadcast on TV One, from March next year.

NZ On Air has allocated $998,670 funding to Asia Vision to produce 42, half hour programmes of Asia Down Under, to be screened on TV One from early next year.

The Moana Pacific Maori Sports Awards has been allocated $40,000 for the production of a one and a half hour special, to screen in mid December on TV One.

ends

For further information:
Jo Tyndall
Chief Executive
NZ On Air
Tel: (04) 382 9524

This media release is available on the internet, at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Tagata Pasifika $1,215,641
52 x ½ hour programme
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Stephen Stehlin

Asia Down Under $998,670
42 x ½ hour programme
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Robin Kingsley-Smith, Asia Vision

Moana Pacific Maori Sports Awards 2000 $40,000
1 x 1 ½ hour special
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Tainui Stephens

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