The bird has soared and its name is Waatea.

Thu, 1 Jul 2004

E ngaa mana e ngaa reo
Teena anoo taatou katoa
E mihi ana ki te whenua e tangi ana ki te Tangata

"Kua rere te manu - he kaahu - ko toona ingoa ko Waatea"

The bird has soared and its name is Waatea.

At 6am July 1st, Radio Waatea603am, which is part of UMA Broadcasting, took over the National Maori Language News contract.

General Manager of UMA Broadcasting Willie Jackson, acknowledges the responsibility in delivering a quality news service in Maori.

"We have a hard job ahead of us but are excited by the challenge. Our plan is to showcase Maori language talent and provide journalistic integrity."

Well known broadcasters Te Kauhoe Wano, Scotty Morrison, Julian Wilcox, Kingi Taurua and Wena Harawira are some of the members of the Radio Waatea team of experienced journalists who will deliver the news from a Maori perspective.

Rau Kapa who is the national editor, will be managing the national newsroom in Auckland and Rereata Makiha will be handling political news reporting from Wellington.

Willie Jackson says that Waatea News' intention is to deliver a robust Maori news service and develop an effective vehicle for Maori broadcasting across the media spectrum.

ENDS

© Scoop Media