A blast from the past for knowledge geeks

15 May 2015

A blast from the past for knowledge geeks and a rare look inside the Māori King movement

Our smartest young people pit their wits against each other as University Challengereturns to television.

NZ On Air has agreed to support Cue Television from Invercargill to make a new series of the popular general knowledge quiz show for Prime. The original programme, based on the BBC format, screened from 1976 to 1989.

After a well-received return towards the end of last year, it will be back this year with NZ On Air support.

Also supported this month is a three part documentary series exploring the historic origins of Kiingitanga, the Māori King movement. Screening on Māori Television,Kiingitanga- The Untold Story will give viewers rare access to the royal household, providing an insight into an institution unfamiliar to most New Zealanders.

And a two hour feature film has been supported (along with the NZ Film Commission) telling the remarkable tale of a pioneering New Zealander. The Guinea Pig Club brings us the story of Sir Archibald McIndoe – a maverick Kiwi surgeon who defied the British establishment with his radical methods of healing the fighter pilots and soldiers who suffered horrific burns in WW2. It will screen on TV One.

“In the last round of the financial year we received many excellent television proposals but could only support a fraction due to depleted funds. However those supported are quality projects that increase the diversity of programming available for New Zealanders of every walk of life,” says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

Funding details

Kiingitanga – The Untold Story, 3 x 60mins, Enter The Dragon for Māori Television,$575,540
University Challenge, 19 x 30mins, Cue Television for Prime, $303,918
The Guinea Pig Club, 1 x 2hrs, Crimbil Equities for TV One , $199,500

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