The taonga (treasures) of New Zealand acting are back with the premiere of successful Māori comedy KAI KŌRERO on Māori Television on Tuesday July 17 at 9.30 PM.
George Henare, Annie Whittle, Vanessa Rare and Geoff Dolan will again offer up a feast of laughs in the multicultural sitcom. KAI KŌRERO is the story of two families – the Spalding and the Rata whānau – who gather each Sunday for a meal.
The ensuing discussions and arguments throw a humorous spotlight on the extended family’s frailties, prejudices and concerns. By making them a source of laughter, the show demonstrates just how absurd they are.
Sports scientist Ken Spalding (Dolan) and his physiotherapist wife Charlotte Rata (Rare) have two children – budding league player Humphrey (Tainui Tukiwaho) and university student Ma (Kura Forrester). Much to Ken’s despair, they also share their home with Pa Wiremu (Henare), Charlotte’s Ngāti Porou father.
Pa has a fondness for Brylcreem, Winston Peters and secretly, Ken’s mother. Ken’s mother Muriel Spalding is played by Whittle – she’s in a state of acute denial over Ken’s marriage, telling people her grandchildren are part-Italian to explain their olive complexions. Charlotte is the focal point of the whānau, who sometimes takes on more than she can handle but loves having her family around her for Sunday dinner.
Made by Front of the Box Productions for Māori Television, KAI KŌRERO is written by the talented team of Kath Akuhata-Brown, Albert Belz and Carey Carter along with script consultant, comedian Hori Ahipene.
With its mix of ages and cultures, the series is a comedy with something for everyone.
Henare’s prestigious career includes roles in Once Were Warriors, Shortland Street, Xena, Mercy Peak and Street Legal, while Whittle, also formerly of Shortland Street, recently starred with Hollywood legend Sir Anthony Hopkins in The World’s Fastest Indian. Another former Shortland Streeter, Rare has also dished out wisdom on Māori Television’s panel advice show Ask Your Auntie, while Dolan has had roles in Hercules, Power Rangers, Xena, Gloss and In My Father’s Den. Back for another season are relative television newcomers Tukiwaho and Forrester.
Join the Spalding and Rata families for dinner when the second series of KAI KŌRERO premieres on Māori Television on Tuesday July 17 at 9.30 PM.
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