“We can smell the linamint”

More than ten kaupapa Māori and kura Māori from across Tāmaki Makaurau have come together for a unique event designed to inspire the next generation of sports broadcasters while celebrating the power of Te Reo Māori in the world of media.

The initiative gives tamariki the opportunity to experience sports broadcasting firsthand, demonstrating that fluency in Te Reo Māori can open doors to careers in journalism, commentary, media production and storytelling.

Hosted as part of an interactive programme, students are stepping behind the microphone to learn the skills of live sports broadcasting, interviewing and presenting, while exploring how Māori language and culture are becoming increasingly visible across New Zealand’s sporting landscape.

Radio Waatea broadcaster Dale Husband spent time speaking with the young participants, hearing their aspirations, enthusiasm and growing confidence as they discovered what it takes to bring sport to life through Te Reo Māori.

The event highlights the increasing demand for bilingual broadcasters who can connect with audiences in both Te Reo Māori and English, particularly as more sporting organisations embrace Māori language commentary and culturally authentic coverage.

Organisers say exposing rangatahi to careers in broadcasting is about much more than developing technical skills. It is also about strengthening identity, building confidence in Te Reo Māori, and showing young people that their language belongs in every arena—including the commentary box.

For many of the students attending, the experience provided their first opportunity to see broadcasting as a realistic career pathway, while reinforcing the value of speaking and celebrating Te Reo Māori every day.

The programme also reflects the growing momentum behind Māori-led media initiatives that continue to create opportunities for rangatahi to tell stories from their own perspective and ensure Māori voices remain visible across New Zealand’s media landscape.

As the day unfolded, the excitement and confidence shown by the tamariki offered a glimpse of the next generation of broadcasters, commentators and journalists who may one day lead sports coverage in Aotearoa through the lens of Te Ao Māori.

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