Willie Jackson praises Te Matatini broadcasts

Senior Māori MP Willie Jackson says Te Matatini broadcasts are bringing new audiences into te ao haka me te ao Māori.

Today marks day two of pool performances, with Whakaata Māori and TVNZ broadcasting live on TVNZ 2, Whakaata Māori, and on demand via TVNZ+ and Māori+ to millions worldwide.

Jackson, a former Māori broadcaster, praises Oriini Kaipara, Julian Wilcox, and Peata Melbourne on Whakaata Māori, alongside Mātai Smith and Scotty Te Manahau Morrisson on TVNZ, for their outstanding coverage, enhancing the experience for viewers.

“It’s just becoming more and more an Aotearoa New Zealand event aye, not just a Māori event and Taranaki is doing the business. Terrific, really, terrific, really, for the country,” says Jackson.

This afternoon, top teams Angitū, Ngā Tūmanako, Te Waka Huia, Te Rangiura o Wairarapa, and Te Iti Kahurangi take the stage in Ngāmotu.