A decade of sharing Maori stories

TEN YEARS OLD: Maori Television is a decade old today and has featured many shows featuring Rotorua locals such as Miriama Morrison-Hare who appeared on the reality TV show Kapa Haka: Behind the Faces. PHOTO/FILE

Maori Television is celebrating its 10th birthday today. The milestone is being celebrated by many Rotorua locals who have worked with the station in the past decade.

Lara Northcroft worked for the broadcaster when it launched in 2004.

The director of local production company Velvet Stone Media has produced seven shows for the station. These include Kapa Haka: Behind the Faces, I Know a Sheila Like That, Te Iti Kahurangi and the soon to be screened Moko Aotearoa.

"Maori Television has enabled me to have a business which has then created other opportunities for me. It's created an industry and employment in Rotorua," she said.

"Since the channel started Maori production companies have started popping up all around the country.

"For me it's really important for Maori to be able to tell their stories. I like the fact that I'm Te Arawa living in Rotorua and able to share these stories. The more people watching our stories the better," Ms Northcroft said.

Kingi Biddle has either hosted or appeared on several shows that have screened on the station such as quiz show Mind your mohio, Te Kauta and Karawhiua.

"People didn't expect it to last this long, I think it was [Government Minister] Gerry Brownlee who said it wouldn't last a year and it's lasted 10," Mr Biddle said.

"It's wonderful to hear and see Maori stories from a Maori point of view, it also reaches out to an international community with all these stories as well."

Mr Biddle, who received his Queen's Service Medal in Auckland this week, said Maori Television had given him great opportunities and allowed him to fulfil one of his dreams, which was to be on television.

Maori Television is celebrating its 10-year milestone tonight with a documentary Through the Lens.

A virtual tour is also available online starring former Rotorua girl and Milky Bar Kid, Hinetaapora Short.

"I like all the different shows on the channel and I know Maori so I really enjoy hearing other people use it," Hinetaaporasaid.