Tears, Tantrums, Triumphs – And Te Reo

Tears, Tantrums, Triumphs – And Te Reo

Take 14 strangers, strand them at a remote South Island marae and throw down the ultimate language challenge – learn to speak te reo Maori better than the others and win $10,000.

Experience tantrums, tears, rivalry and romance as the rivals of reality show Waka Reo try to learn the language, and live with each other, when the second series premieres Saturday August 19 at 7.00 PM.

The contestants come from all over New Zealand, from different backgrounds and have little or no te reo. But they share one goal – to win $10,000.

On arrival at the marae, the 14 men and women are given Maori names, told they must eat, sleep and learn together, and are thrown straight into full-immersion te reo.

There’s Kevin/Hoani (32) from Auckland, who was adopted by a European family as a baby and wants to connect with his Maori roots through te reo.

Nice guy Neville/Te Timatanga (33) is nicknamed ‘Camp Father’ but this Aucklander has a secret ruthless streak, while Christchurch mum-of-three Sonya/Ngareta (34) is ‘Camp Mother’ and finds her authority challenged by one person in particular.

The baby of the show, Zoe/Manawa of Taupo is only 19 but determined to stand her ground, while Daniel/Raniera (33), originally from the UK but now living in Christchurch, tries to keep the peace when arguments break out.

Solo mum Jess/Taiao (27) of Nelson made a promise to her kids and worries that she will fail them.

Ambitious Nathan P/Ngarangipouri (22) of New Brighton wants to be famous at all costs. And young Christchurch spunk Tamati (22) needs to learn te reo to keep up with gossip about him at his home marae.

Sharon/Ngahiwi (29) of Tauranga adds instant glamour to the marae but there are brains as well as beauty. Christchurch surfie Michael/Mikaere (25) just has one reason for taking part – to have fun.

Then there’s Rachael/Rahera, a student nurse and solo mum of 22 from Invercargill, who hides a painful secret that’s about to change her life forever.

Shy Jason/Hehana (19) takes time out from his freezing works job in Temuka to compete. But Rheanna/Ana (22) of Rangiora goes one step further and chucks in her job as a security guard to take part in Waka Reo.

Finally, there’s Nathan R/Neihana (34) from Christchurch who isn’t afraid to break the rules and be the ‘bad guy’ of the show. But how far will he go to win…

The show is hosted by well-known presenter Sista Waitoa.

The contestants compete in physical as well as language challenges. Each week, two are chosen to face-off in a te reo contest that will cost one of them their place in the marae and a chance at the $10,000.

WAKA REO, where language and real-life clash head-on, starts on Saturday August 19 at 9.00 PM.

Ends

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