MAORIOKE, the nationwide talent search is back!  Premiering on Maori Television Friday October 12 at 8.30 PM, MAORIOKE delivers the best new vocalists from around the country right to your living room.

More than 500 singers from Kaitaia to Bluff have auditioned for the fourth series of this popular show, with the calibre of the talent described as outstanding. They have covered a range of mostly modern material, with the odd classical and a couple of originals thrown in.

Producer Maraki Parata says one Auckland contestant was rated by the judges as the best vocalist they’ve seen since MĀORIOKE started four years ago.

On offer is the chance to perform before television viewers and become household names, with one taking out the title and $10,000 cash prize.

In addition to the ultimate prize, there are also cash prizes for the Best R&B/Hip Hop, Best Pop/Rock, Best Country & Western/Old School, Best Kiwiana (NZ) and Best Waiata Reo Maori performances. The top 25 performers nationally, will go through to the semi-finals and compete for one of six spots in the grand final extravaganza.

Māuri Ora Productions, the makers of MĀORIOKE, have held auditions in the major centres, allowing contestants the opportunity to travel in from smaller towns to try and dazzle the seasoned judging panel.

Established recording artists Whirimako Black, Brannigan Kaa and Betty Anne Monga return to the “hot seat” as judges, while new presenters Kingi Biddle and Cushla Tangaere take over the role of fronting MĀORIOKE when the new season kicks off in October.

Maraki says he thinks shows like MĀORIOKE have helped to change the face of the music industry by giving aspiring artists another way in.

"MĀORIOKE provides a window of opportunity and exposure for ordinary but talented people up and down the country. I think in the beginning the traditional guys in the business thought it was a show devaluing what they do, and I think it may have been a surprise to them that we came out being very successful in terms of audience ratings.”

"For some reason we were looked at as though we weren't allowed in the cool club, but I think that mentality is changing.

Join the best new singers in the country when MĀORIOKE returns to Māori Television with the season premiere on Friday October 12 at 8.30 PM.

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  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MĀORIOKE

 Year:                           2007

Censor:                      General Exhibition (G)

Duration:             9 x 1 hour plus 1 x 90 minute special

Language:                  Maori and English languages