Maori Radio Broadcasts Warriors' Games

Maori Radio Broadcasts Warriors' Games

Live Maori language commentary of the Warriors' NRL campaign kicks off this Sunday, March 16.

National radio service Ruia Mai and Palmerston North-based iwi radio station, Kia Ora FM, have secured exclusive Maori language broadcast rights to the team's 2003 season.

Ruia Mai presenter and reporter Piripi Taylor will co-host the show with Kia Ora FM's Peter Cleave - 'Takuta Riiki' (Dr League).

The first broadcast this Sunday begins at 3.45pm (kick-off at 4pm) when the Warriors have a tough opening round assignment against the Newcastle Knights at Auckland's Ericsson Stadium.

Last season, the Warriors picked up the minor premiership and finished second after being beaten in the grand final by the Roosters.

Ruia Mai sports producer Wiremu Huta-Martin says the duo will broadcast from all the Warriors home games including Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington as well as the Kiwi league test in Auckland in October.

"These guys will make it sound as though you are there, right in the thick of it," Mr Huta-Martin says.

"Not only do they have a passion for the game but Peter Cleave studies rugby league and has a doctorate from Oxford - so he's the real 'Takuta Riiki'."

Taylor and Ruia Mai sports reporter Semi Holland will also preview the game on this Saturday's (March 15) edition of 'Takatu'.

The one-hour sports show from 7am to 8am features news, views and interviews as well as regional, national and international updates.

Ruia Mai produces news and sports programming seven days a week for the iwi radio network, and also broadcasts in Auckland on its own AM frequency, 1179AM.

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