Sensational Siblings To Front New Maori TV Show

Publicity Release
for Release Mon May 16 To Sun May 22

Sensational Siblings To Front New Maori Television Rangatahi Show

The high-demand environment of the television studio is a long cry from the lush green pastures of Taranaki. But, for siblings Tumehe and Whakaangi Rongonui, the leap of faith is nigh as they gear up for their new roles as presenters on Maori Television’s new rangatahi series HAA.

Scheduled for launch on Wednesday May 18 at 5.00 PM, HAA – or ‘breath’ – is indeed promising a rush of fresh energy on Maori Television’s schedule. The series is an exciting and edgy info-tainment magazine youth show aimed at young teens that taps into all the things that youth are into.

The series is produced by Maori Television programmers Wiremu Te Kiri and Teremoana Rapley, who have both worked on the youth production Mai Time. Their search for suitable presenters to deliver the essential te reo Maori-speaking and high-energy dynamic for HAA was over once they spotted the Taranaki brother-and-sister team during auditions.

Tumehe – otherwise known as Tutu, Tu, Toomz, Tumalako, Sloomhog, Slumehe, Toomdog or any other variation – is the eldest sibling who claims to have been born in the New Plymouth Base Hospital for Geniuses. By no means humble, this boil-up and milk powder loving fella oozes with a love for life – and mischief! Schooled at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamarongo and Te Kura Tuarua o Opunake, Tumehe couples his skills in te reo and tikanga Maori with an effervescent attitude. “Spread love, happiness and positivity everywhere you go because today could be your last day on this earth. Make a difference!”

Tumehe is a dab hand at anything that involves a base, board or ball – surfing, skateboarding, basketball, touch, break dancing included – but adds that his real gift is creation. “As a kid, I used to invent and make things like cars, buildings and so on out of recycled materials,” he says.

Tumehe the Tutu is joined by his kid sister Whakaangi who also embraces a flair for sports and all things active. Growing up in the rugged surrounds of Taranaki has lent itself to Whakaangi developing a passion for surfing, running, hockey, biking and the occasional tipi haere to check out what’s happening on the local scene.

Whakaangi also relishes any opportunity to warble a note and takes her cue from singers such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Brooke Fraser to hit the high notes.

While her brother was busy making boys’ toys in their youth, Whakaangi took a liking to the traditional forms of Maori art to fund her young tastes. “I weave flax and used to sell kete when I was 12 for pocket money! Oh, and I can fold my thumb behind my index finger too.”

The ambidextrous talents of the Rongonui siblings will come in handy as they front the new series. As HAA is pitched as a vehicle for the voice of rangatahi, the series will reflect the interests of youth through a range of specially-designed segments.

Each week, the presenters find out what’s happening in youth culture and review the material for the Waka Papaa segment or field reports – from the hottest new fads to the most happening festivals to the freshest music. The Manu Waiata segment is an opportunity for young aspiring artists to compose original material in either English or Maori to submit for broadcast. This segment is aiming to provide a platform for rangatahi who aspire for the limelight of a stage career.

HAA will also feature Ngahau, a weekly gig and entertainment guide of what’s happening in Aotearoa and Whakakata – a slapstick comedy skit segment where mundane activities are given the whacky, comical treatment and a local New Zealand music video. Plus, rangatahi viewers can get involved in the Urban Kanikani segment, where each week young people are instructed on the latest dance moves by the hottest hip hop crews in Aotearoa.

HAA premieres on Maori Television on Wednesday May 18 at 5.00 PM.

Ends

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR HAA

Censor : Not available
Duration : Half-hour, 26-part series
Language : Maori and English languages

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