Rasta Rangi Debuts On Maori Television

Wednesday April 19 2006

New Zealand’s newest cartoon character – RASTA RANGI – makes his debut on Maori Television on Monday April 24 at 8.00 PM.

A 60-second episode featuring the Kapiti Coast-created character will screen in primetime immediately after the half-hour news programme, TE KAEA, every weeknight.

RASTA RANGI is the brainchild of Raumati animators, the Simmonds Brothers, and Paora Trim, a Maori language teacher from Kapiti College.

Phill Simmonds says the ‘rasta-man’ – who speaks Maori which is subtitled into English – is keen to engage with all New Zealanders. “Rasta Rangi likes to talk,” says Simmonds. “And he’s a laugh a minute!”

A multi-talented tane (man), RASTA RANGI is a carver and kapa haka teacher, a musician and stand-up comic, and an entrepreneur and armchair philosopher. He’s a one-woman man and moves with Jah people.

He's depicted outside the now-defunct Paekakariki Hotel; at the fish and chip shop at Raumati Beach; on the Esplanade in Raumati South; and at local marae. He also hangs out with relations in Otaki. "He drives a cool car, too," says Simmonds.

RASTA RANGI premieres on Maori Television on Monday April 24 at 8.00 PM.

ENDS

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