East Coast Health Takes Centrestage On Maori TV

PUBLICITY RELEASE
TUESDAY MARCH 13 2007

East Coast Health Takes Centrestage On Maori Television

A unique reality show profiling both patients and health professionals from the remote East Coast returns to Maori Television with the premiere of the second series of NGATI POROU HAUORA on Sunday April 1 at 5.30 PM.

Produced by Auckland-based Butobase Limited, the 13-part documentary series follows the dedicated health workers from one of the most successful health systems in the country who often travel long distances and endure extreme weather conditions in order to serve the community of Ngati Porou.

Executive producer Glenn Elliott says the show follows on from its predecessors – HAUORA HOKIANGA set in the far North and the first series of NGATI POROU HAUORA – in addressing many of the health issues affecting Maori as well as the everyday dramas faced by the health service.

Topics range from dealing with the loss of a whanau matriarch and immunisation programmes at the kura to the impact of diabetes and obesity.

“By having immediate patient contact and our camera in attendance at consultations and home visits, the issues are given a personal element to connect with,” says Elliott.

“Over the course of the series, we reveal how the people within this medical community draw strength and pride in their Ngati Porou heritage and their ability to care for their own. The mantra of Ngati Porou caring for Ngati Porou is a constant theme.

“NGATI POROU HAUORA is a unique window into an area and iwi, providing moving and thoughtful entertainment as well as demystifying medical practices.”

The first episode on Sunday April 1 at 5.30 PM reunites viewers with the tribe’s diverse range of health services. Ngati Porou Hauora cultural advisor John Coleman hosts a group of Aboriginal health workers while hospital services manager Georgina Paerata is on duty in the ‘mobile surgery’.

The second episode on Easter Sunday April 8 at 5.30 PM sees nurse Gina in Ruatoria for a seminar about the importance of cervical screening. Kaiawhina Marina helps a client take the first steps to become smokefree and problem gambling co-ordinator Connie Henare is in Uawa to spread the word about the ill effects of gambling.

In the third episode – on Sunday April 15 at 5.30 PM – rural health nurses from Matakaoa are on their school rounds immunising students against tetanus and diphtheria. Meanwhile, Te Miringa and podiatrist Dr Murray Duncan have a busy schedule treating East Coast feet and nurse Gina pays a visit to a baby who’s recovering from an infected lung.

Share in the lives of both patient and practitioner when the second series of NGATI POROU HAUORA screens on Maori Television every Sunday at 5.30 PM from April 1.

Ends

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