Māori Television is appealing for ANZAC story ideas as production begins on next year’s marathon broadcast to mark New Zealand’s national day of commemoration on Friday April 25.  

For the third year in a row, the channel will devote its entire broadcast schedule to ANZAC Day 2008 including coverage of key memorial ceremonies at home and overseas as well as veteran interviews, studio debates and documentaries.   

The inaugural all-day broadcast in 2006 won several major awards including Best Event Broadcast at the Air New Zealand Screen Awards, Best NZ Sports or Event Coverage at the Qantas Television Awards and Best Documentary for the TV Guide Best on the Box People’s Choice Awards.  

In the lead-up to ANZAC Day in 2008, researchers and producers from Māori Television will be travelling the country talking to people and crafting unique stories about their events and experiences.   People can e-mail their story ideas to anzacday@maoritelevision.com or download the submission form from the website www.maoritelevision.com.  

Producer Jasmine Pujji says the all-day broadcast will enable New Zealanders of all backgrounds to share their experiences of war as well as little known stories about themselves, their families, their ancestors and their communities.   “If you know of a veteran or someone with a story to tell, or you have a story of your own that could be told on ANZAC Day, we want to hear about it.”  

Viewers can call the helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628 2868) for advice on how to tune in to Māori Television or go to www.maoritelevision.com for more information.   

Māori Television is available on channel 5 on Freeview; channel 19 on Sky Digital and channel 6 on Sky UHF; and free-to-air on UHF or using a satellite dish and receiver.