430,000 watch coverage of Dame Te Ata's funeral

Up to half a million viewers at some stage yesterday watched televised coverage of the final farewell for Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Television New Zealand and Maori TV broadcast live from Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia yesterday, following the final service of the monarch's tangihanga, and the coronation of her successor, her eldest son Tuheitia Paki.

Tens of thousands attended the ceremony in person and many more watched television and internet coverage following the progress of Dame Te Ata's coffin as it was transported by waka 9km to Taupiri Mountain, then carried up the mountain to be buried.

TVNZ public affairs Megan Richards said more than 430,000 people looked at the programme on TV One at some stage during the five and a half hours of broadcast.

That was double the usual daytime audience, she said.

- NZPA