NZ On Air Reflects Our South Pacific Home

17 March 2005

NZ On Air Reflects Our South Pacific Home

NZ On Air has reaffirmed its commitment to special interest and youth programming on television by allocating funding of almost two million dollars to programmes that reflect New Zealand’s unique Pacific Island diversity.

“We have a strong line up of programmes with a distinctly Pacific flavour on the way, thanks to the funding approvals agreed by our Board at their meeting at the end of last month,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jo Tyndall.

“Pacific Beat Street is a new ten-part half-hour youth series, to screen on TV3. It’s a funky series that brings to the screen the latest styles and trends of our multicultural youth population in a bright, energetic way,” she said. “Expect lots of music, fashion, food and fun as the presenters focus on everything from computers and movies to games, jobs and family… and all from the coolest flat in the land – just down Pacific Beat Street.”

Two of the other projects proceeding with NZ On Air funding will enable viewers outside Auckland to experience the colour and spectacle that is a Polynesian festival.

ASB Festival – Polyfest will showcase the Auckland Secondary Schools Cultural Festival 2005 in a five-part series, and Pasifika 2005 brings the excitement of the Pasifika festival held at Western Springs to the screen in a one hour special – both screening on TV2.

“The three-day high-school dance competition that is affectionately known as Polyfest is a vibrant demonstration of the talent and cultural pride of so many of Auckland’s young people,” said Ms Tyndall. “It’s a fabulous occasion, and we are pleased to be able to ensure it’s not just enjoyed by Auckland.

“Likewise, Pasifika is a feast of colour, sound and taste that packs in the crowds year after year. On television, we’ll have to imagine the tastes, but that shouldn’t be too difficult with the sights and sounds on display,” she said.

Funding has also been allocated to another year of the Pacific Island magazine series Tagata Pasifika.

“We are pleased to support Tagata Pasifika again,” Ms Tyndall said. “It provides a vital, reliable link for Pacific Island communities in New Zealand, and offers insights into the diverse cultures in our part of the world.”

Funding details:

Tagata Pasifika 2005 $1,310,000 52 x 24 minute Pacific Island magazine series Broadcaster: TVOne Producer: Stephen Stehlin TVNZ

ASB Festival – Polyfest $180,223 5 x ½ hour Special Interest series Broadcaster: TV2 Producer: Lisa Taouma TVNZ

Pasifika 2005 $79,937 1 x 1 hour Special Interest programme Broadcaster: TV2 Producer: Claudette Hauiti Front of the Box Productions

Pacific Beat Street $409,978 10 x ½ hour youth series Broadcaster: TV3 Producer: Julie Smith/Stan Wolfgramm Drum Productions

ENDS

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