Highlights May 10 - May 16 2009

KO TAWA – Sunday May 10 at 8.30 PM

A six-part series telling the stories behind a selection of taonga collected by Captain Gilbert Mair throughout his lifetime.  Tonight: Two beautiful taonga are profiled. Te Kahumamae o Pareraututu is the cloak of pain woven by Ngati Rangitihi rangatira, Pareraututu, on the death of her men at the battle of Pukekaikahu. Te Awa o Te Atua is the putatara used for over 200 years by Tuwharetoa rangatira to herald the birth of the first-born sons of the iwi. Bound together by the moment of their gifting, their stories are told by Cathy Dewes, Pou Temara and Paranapa Otiini.

 

BROOKLYN LOBSTER (SUNDAY FEATURE) (2005) – Sunday May 10 at 9.00 PM

Frank’s once orderly life is in chaos since the bank that loaned him money went bankrupt.  With the threat of a public auction looming, Frank and his eccentric crew attempt to save the local lobster shop that is the cornerstone of their identity. 

 

MAUMAHARA – Monday May 11 at 9.00 PM

Series premiere!  Nostalgic programme which celebrates kaumatua and their golden stories of the 1920s to the 1950s.  Tonight:  Te Koraha.  Waikato kaumatua talk about growing up within the rich tapestry of the Kingitanga, and the extraordinary woman who inspired them to claim back their land, heritage and mana.

 

411 – Monday May 11 at 9.30 PM

Reviews, highlights and samples from the world of technology, in Aotearoa and the world beyond.  This week: a look at Carver, Taakaro Ataata checks out PSP’s God of War, and testing the true might of the Panasonic Toughbook.

 

ALISON & PARYS (INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY) – Tuesday May 12 at 8.30 PM

Almost three years have past since severely disabled artist Alison Lapper gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Parys.  This is the follow up documentary to the earlier, award-winning Alison’s Baby.  As brave and unflinchingly honest as the first time audiences met Alison, it seems that her early struggles – changing nappies, breastfeeding - have given way to a new mix of difficulties.  Parys has developed a big personality – not always easy for her to control - added to which, there are new developments in her love life that don’t run as smooth as she hoped. 

 

THE BRIDGE BUILDER (NZ DOCUMENTARY) – Wednesday May 13 at 8.30 PM

Profile on Hekenukumai Busby, MBE, master waka carver and navigator. A leading authority on traditional Polynesian and Maori stellar navigation, Busby’s knowledge and skills also extend to the traditional art of Maori carving.

 

HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI – Friday May 15 at 8.30 PM and Saturday May 16 at 5.30 PM

A show with a style and flavour all its own, this live singing competition has grown a large and faithful following over the last two series, from the amazing talent that turns up to audition every week to the dedicated viewers that tune at home. Filmed in front of a studio audience at Maori Television’s Auckland base, performers travel with their supporters from all around the motu to be part of the fun, entertain the crowd – and have a crack at winning the hearts and text votes of the audience.  The irrepressible, one and only Te Hamua Nikora is back as host, with side support coming this year from past HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI winners, who made their names in previous series of the hit show.  Viewers’ votes will once again decide at the end of the night who will win the weekly prize of $1,000, plus the chance to compete in the grand final for $10,000.

 

Ends

 

For images and media information, register with the Maori Television media centre at http://media.maoritelevision.com or for interviews, review tapes or further information, contact:

 

Merilee Andrews

Kaiwhakaputa (Publicist)

Maori Television

DDI +64 9 539 7092

MOB 021 274 0495
merilee.andrews@maoritelevision.com