September 19, 2016
Nga Aho Whakaari marks 20 years of screen support
The umbrella group for Maori screen production, Nga Aho Whakaari will mark its first 20 years of operation next month with a hui featuring international and local speakers, workshops, and a pitching competition.
Te Pou Ihiihi at Auckland University’s Waipapa Marae on October 7 and 8 will end with the first Maori Screen Gala Ball & Awards as the Stamford Plaza Hotel.
The name of the hui means a time to stabilize, to gather around something solid, look back and look forward.
The featured speaker, indigenous Australian director and actor Darlene Johnson, was a guest at the first Nga Aho Whakaari hui-a-tau 20 years ago.
The keynote address will come from Maori Television chief executive Paora Maxwell.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell, broadcaster Willie Jackson and television presenter/te reo expert Scotty Morrison will discuss the impact Te Matawai, the new entity leading the revitalisation of Te Reo Maori, could have on Maori broadcasting.
A range of television makers will enter a pitching competition for $5000, as well as the chance to have their idea picked by TVNZ, TV3 and Maori Television commissioners.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com