Marae DIY’s Magic Milestone!

Marae DIY’s Magic Milestone!

Award-winning marae makeover show MARAE DIY is set to return for a new series – and this time there’s a magic milestone to celebrate!

Series seven - screening on Maori Television from Friday October 22 at 8:30 PM - will see the hardworking crew complete their 50th marae renovation.

A mighty number of communities across heartland Aotearoa have featured on MARAE DIY over the years, receiving not only much-needed renovations to buildings, but lifting the morale of the ahi kaa at the same time.

Each programme sees the DIY team descend on the marae, but it’s the combination of crew and local whanau that really makes something special happen. As the improvements get underway – with a huge amount of mahi from all - the uniqueness and spirit of every marae is revealed. As in previous shows, three kuia are nominated in each community to receive their own personal makeover, before returning to the marae to see the results of the work.

Aroha Hathaway says she is only too delighted to return to co-present the show. She says: “It’s amazing travelling round the motu, and meeting new whanau wherever we go. To be part of such community spirit during these times is an honour.”

Monty Ritai is back as the resident builder, as is presenter Te Ori Paki, who has been with the show since it began nine years ago.

The other original team member still going strong is landscaper David Clayton-Greene, who describes his work on the show as a major journey of discovery.

“Before the show I had very little to do with the Maori world, in the true sense of the word,” he says. “It has been a great honour to be able to embrace another culture and see the culture so alive and strong – something most Pakeha don’t get to see or experience in their lifetime. I’ve been treated with utter respect and learned about unconditional love and family dynamics.”

The episodes will screen as follows:

Rongomaraeroa Marae, Porangahau – Friday October 22 at 8.30 PM:
This DIY project is pushed to the limit to allow a grieving whanau to farewell a cherished member. This is an incredible journey of a whanau’s hard work and dedication.

Takahiwai Marae, Takahiwai – Friday October 29 at 8.30 PM:

This marae is one of only two on the eastern seaboard between Whangarei and Auckland. The taipakeke (adults) turn out in force ready for some big mahi, and their tamariki host an ecological journey.

Mangamuka Marae, Mangamuka – Friday November 5 at 8.30 PM:

This week we find ourselves near the top of the Te Taikokerau where Ngapuhi come together en masse to complete their DIY, and share a bit of their history and ahurea (culture) with our people.

Potaka Marae, Hicks Bay– Friday November 12 at 8.30 PM:

The team is welcomed into the whanau and get to relax in the Hicks Bay, a small community in the heart of the East Cape. The beauty of surrounding maunga (mountains) meets that of the takutai (coastline). Ka rawe!

Maurea Marae, Rangiriri – Friday November 19 at 8.30 PM:

Do they have the numbers in the whanau to get the bathrooms completed?…It’s all about the plumber!

Te Huingawaka Marae, Kaingaroa (pt 1) – Friday November 26 at 8.30 PM:

This is the 50th episode – and it’s something special as the DIY team travels to the Kaingaroa Forest. A huge effort will be required from this small community to get the job done – only the most amazing teamwork will do. Programme-makers also delve into the unique history of the people. Part one of a two-part programme.

Te Huingawaka Marae, Kaingaroa (pt 2) – Friday December 3 at 8.30 PM:

After 20 long years of struggle this courageous community is determined not to be forgotten. Watch them celebrate the completion of the DIY which brings rejuvenation and new beginnings.

Join the team for more heart-warming makeovers when MARAE DIY returns to Maori Television on Friday October 22 at 8.30 PM.

TALENT BIOS

Te Ori Paki – Tuwharetoa, Tuhoe, Tainui
Te Ori began his television presenting career on Marae DIY, and is one of only two original team members left, the other being David Clayton-Greene. He has been a part of all 50 Marae DIY makeovers to date. Te Ori also presents the Maori Television’s gameshow Kupuhuna. Home-schooled in te reo Maori, Te Ori has been involved in performing arts since he was five. When Te Ori is not making television he is a Tourism Manager at Wairakei Terraces Taupo, cultural adviser, marketing manager, kapa haka tutor, guide tutor and cup of tea maker!

Aroha Hathaway – Tuhoe
Aroha has over 10 years experience in broadcasting, working in both radio and television. This is her second series of Marae DIY. Aroha now works as an Advertorial presenter on Good Morning, radio station ZM, and news and drive shows for Radio Waatea. Her television experience includes being one of the “Aunties” on “Ask your Auntie” and a co-host of E Ko!

David Clayton-Greene – Resident Landscaper – Ngati Pakeha
David Clayton-Greene has taken a fair bit of stick as the only Pakeha on-site over his seven years on the show. One of the original presenters, he’s the man responsible for making sure the marae surrounds are stunning and is now firmly established as our landscaping guru. When David is not travelling the motu with Marae DIY he’s running his own landscaping business CGC Ltd

Monty Ritai – Resident Builder – Te Ati Awa
Monty Ritai joined the Marae DIY team in 2007, and is now an established part of the team. Monty has a passion for building and a flare for performance! When he is not doing marae makeovers he is running his own building business in Auckland.

ends

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