Diversity, Richness And Tradition

23 April 2002

Four different programmes illustrating New Zealanders' diversity, richness and tradition have received NZ On Air funding.

Rural issues, stories and successes are canvassed in Grass Roots Business and Wrightson Agmardt Young Farmer Contest showcases New Zealand's top farmers. Tagata Pasifika returns for its 15th year of production. ANZAC Day is remembered by the screening of the 2002 ANZAC Day Wreath-laying Ceremony.

"These programmes have all been funded from NZ On Air's special interest budget. Grass Roots Business is a new series for TV ONE. It's a specialist programme which will increase the amount and variety of television programming available to our rural communities," said NZ On Air's acting chief executive, Bernard Duncan.

"It concentrates on the agricultural sector, with a magazine format to showcase the industry, gather and pass on specialist information and celebrate the sector's successes.

"In keeping with celebrating the rural communities' achievements, NZ On Air has also supported the return of the Wrightson Agmardt Young Farmer Contest," said Mr Duncan.

"Pitting the top regional young farmers against each other provides viewers with an exciting and informative show, which regularly attracts viewers from beyond the rural community."

After recently receiving an award for its staying power at NZ On Air's celebration for 10,000 hours of funded television, Tagata Pasifika has secured a further $1.2 million for its next season.

"This show has been around since before NZ On Air was established. It enjoys a dedicated following of viewers who are treated to a rich blend of news, sports, issues and entertainment relevant to New Zealand's Pacific Island communities," said Mr Duncan.

"We welcome Tagata Pasifika back for its 15th year of production."

Finally in this round, all New Zealanders will once again have a chance to witness the ANZAC Day national ceremony, thanks to funding from NZ On Air.

"The 2002 ANZAC Day Wreath-laying Ceremony acknowledges the sacrifices of the service men and women who gave their lives for the freedom that current generations enjoy," said Mr Duncan.

"By televising this important ceremony, many New Zealanders who cannot attend, have the opportunity to watch, to remember and pay their respects."

NZ On Air has allocated $100,000 to Screentime-Communicado for the production of 20 half-hour episodes of Grass Roots Business and $114,628 to Dexterity Productions for a one-hour special of Wrightson Agmardt Young Farmer Contest. TVNZ has received $1,210,369 for the weekly programme of Tagata Pasifika and TVNZ Avalon Productions has received $29,136 for a one-hour special of the 2002 ANZAC Day Wreath-laying Ceremony. All are to be screened on TV One.

Ends

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