The stereotypical strong silent male is a thing of the past – at least it is on Maori Television!
WHATUKURA – the much-loved all-male panel show – returns to the small screen on Sunday August 5 at 6.00 PM and none of the panellists could be called shrinking violets.
The five outspoken males on WHATUKURA answer questions from both male and female viewers about men’s problems and just about anything else! Rotorua-based Māui Productions are producing this second series and producer Jo Santamaria says it is an important opportunity for males to have a voice. “Not only do we hear from the male’s point of view, we also have the Māori male perspective – and that’s critical when there are issues that have a cultural component.”
Jo Santamaria says the first series was very well received by men and women, Māori and non-Māori. “Many found the advice given by the panel to be very sincere, caring and helpful.”
Nothing is sacred when these forthright and feisty fullas take on the worrying world of men’s problems – anger issues, health and wealth problems or women woes.
The WHATUKURA panelists are:
Hohepa Harawira (Ngati Maniapoto, Ngai te Rangi, Ngati Awa): Teacher, storyteller and now conservationist, host Hohepa is well placed to deal with a wide range of issues facing Maori in this modern age.
Eraia Kiel (Te Arawa): Eraia Kiel is no stranger in the kapa haka arena performing with top groups like Ngāti Rangiwewehi. He has also worked with troubled youth and is a tutor in mau rakau on Rotorua’s Mokoia Island.
Tame Iti (Ngai Tuhoe,Te Arawa, Waikato): Tame works for Tuhoe Hauora in Ruatoki and is no stranger to the nation having featured in a wide range of media. This renowned Maori activist has firm views on just about everything.
Kimo Winiata (Tainui, Te Arawa, Mataatua): An experienced TV presenter, Kimo presents the rangatahi perspective on the panel. He’s travelled the world, now lives in Otaki and is working in media at Te Wananga o Raukawa.
Wiremu Tawhai (Te Whanau-a-Apanui): Wiremu brings years of experience to the panel and represents the kaumatua perspective. He’s an actor, orator, teacher, kaumatua for NIWA and works at Te Wananga o Awanuiarangi in Whakatane. Questions can be submitted to the team via www.whatakura.co.nz.
Get some good ‘guy’ advice on WHATUKURA – premiering on Māori Television on Sunday August 5 at 6.00 PM.
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