Doubters told to wait for Maori TV launch

By RENEE KIRIONA

Eight days out from the launch of Maori Television, New Zealanders are being asked to reserve judgment on the channel until they see it.

Board chairman Wayne Walden has asked Maori and non-Maori to put aside any preconceptions they hold until next Sunday.

The station, which aims to revitalise Maori language and provide a window into the Maori world, has had a rocky passage since it was first mooted in 2001.

"The true test is the content and quality of programmes being produced, not what has happened in the past," Mr Walden said.

In 2002 Canadian conman John Davy was sacked as chief executive when his CV was found to be false.

Six months later, the next chief executive, Derek Fox, who had previously been the station's chairman, made a sudden exit amid sexual harassment allegations.

But losing Mr Fox, one of Maoridom's most experienced broadcasters, has not dampened the spirits of the station's 105 staff. "Our only focus has been on getting the channel to this point," Mr Walden said.

So far more than 1000 hours, or 13 weeks of programming, are in the can.

Mr Walden said this was amazing considering that the Maori Television Service Act, enabling the channel to shift into top gear, was passed only 10 months ago.

"The excitement is growing day by day, not just in the office but in the community."

The station's interim chief executive, Ani Waaka, said the launch would give comfort to those who, over the past 30 years, had fought for the Maori language to be recognised in New Zealand.

The channel will broadcast seven to eight hours a day every day of the week from a free-to-air Sky analogue (UHF) network channel.

It is estimated that 82 per cent of the country's population and 78 per cent of Maori will be able to access the channel through that transmission platform.

The channel's first broadcast day will run from 6am to 10.30pm and will include:

* 6am-12.30pm: A live broadcast of the launch at the channel's headquarters in Newmarket, including the powhiri.

* 1.30pm: A documentary on the late Dame Whina Cooper.

* 2.30pm: The Best of Billy T James.

* 9pm: Award-winning movie Ngati, staring Wi Kuku Kaa and Judy McIntosh.

TUNING IN

There are three main ways of tuning in to Maori Television's free-to-air service:

* UHF - Most households which can receive Prime TV on a UHF aerial should be able to tune in to Maori Television.

* Sky Digital subscribers - Go to channel 33.

* Sky UHF subscribers - Press button 6 on your Sky remote.

If you need help call 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628-2868).