Maori Battalion March to Victory this Sunday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16 2006

Maori Battalion March to Victory this Sunday

The inspirational story and tragedy behind a legendary fighting unit of Maori volunteers returns to Maori Television on MAORI BATTALION MARCH TO VICTORY, (Sunday August 20 at 9.00 PM).

The documentary replay screens straight after THE BEST OF NA RATOU MO TATOU – THEY DID IT FOR US – a one hour programme featuring highlights from Maori Television’s live ANZAC day broadcast. The ANZAC day programming earned a 500% leap in audience share for Maori Television, and an overwhelming number of requests to repeat the programmes.

Back by popular demand, MAORI BATTALION MARCH TO VICTORY profiles the 28th Maori Battalion. The battalion was a vital part of the Second New Zealand Division army and saw action in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy. By the end of the war, the Maori soldiers had earned a reputation for courage under fire and were feared by their German and Italian enemies.

The price for valour though was extraordinarily high for Maoridom. With a massive casualty rate among the battalion, Maoridom was robbed of an entire generation of Maori men and leaders.

MAORI BATTALION MARCH TO VICTORY was produced and directed by Tainui Stephens in 1990 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battalion. It is introduced by the late Sir Charles Bennett and features the memories of veterans Ben Porter, Don Stewart, Bully Jackson, Hemi Wiremu and Wi Huata. George Henare is the narrator.

MAORI BATTALION MARCH TO VICTORY screens on Maori Television on Sunday August 20 at 9.00 PM.

ENDS

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