PUBLICITY RELEASE
WEDNESDAY JULY 2 2008
TALK YOUR WAY TO $10,000 – ONLY ON MAORI TELEVISION!
Take six intrepid strangers to a marae in a remote corner of south Westland. Set up a bunch of rugged challenges to test contestants’ wits, strength and stamina, while at the same time - and most importantly of all – laying on an intense master class in te reo Maori. Then sit back and watch who will dodge elimination to become the last one standing, and the winner of the $10,000 prize.
Maori Television’s most intriguing reality television series, WAKA REO is back for a fourth series from Sunday July 13 at 8.00 PM.
Filmed on location at Makaawhio Marae, only one can win the money in a tightly-contested battle. But for this lot, hailing from as far as Denmark and Spain, as well as Aotearoa-New Zealand, this journey is as much about another kind of richness – learning and self-discovery - as they immerse themselves in Maori language and culture.
Nothing is scripted or sacred as the group gets stuck in to life on the marae, and takes on the tasks – physical, mental and linguistic - amid some of the most glorious settings the South Island has to offer.
“The isolation certainly takes its toll on the contestants, and there are some emotional rollercoasters at times,” says WAKA REO producer Ingrid Larsen. “But all our contestants this year are keen, smart and all physically capable. It’s hard guessing who will come out on top, because any one of them can turn it on!”
As in previous years, each contestant must choose a Maori name for themselves as the first step in the immersion experience. The lucky contestants are:
Koa (Nur)
As bright as she is beautiful, Nur is also a professional handball player from Denmark, in New Zealand to learn English. Now she’s learning te reo Maori as well - and she’ll need to bring her ‘A’ game to win Waka Reo!
Hine (Karmelle) Iwi: Ngati Maru, Ngapuhi
Karmelle is a mover and shaker from the North Island. She is mad about music and reckons she can dance her way to the $10,000 prize!
Takutai (Josh)
Takutai is a builder from Christchurch who has a passion for surfing - but is he good enough to stay on top of the big Waka Reo wave?
Tahi (Raymond)
Confident and outspoken, Raymond from Taranaki chose his Maori name because he thinks he is Number 1! He will do whatever it takes to ensure the prize money will be his!
Kaha (David)
David, the Spanish warrior, is the strongest of the bunch and if learning the language slows him up any, his physical ability will keep him in the game.
Rongo (Kelly) Iwi: Kai Tahu Ngati Mutunga
Kelly, 23 is a dedicated administration manager at Kakakura Health Services. Her time on Waka Reo is all about the experience and just being herself….”and if that doesn’t work for me……bummer!”
Produced for Maori Television by Ngai Tahu Communications, WAKA REO is presented by Sheree Waitoa (Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Raukawa).
Ordinary people transform into te reo Maori speakers – and one becomes a $10,000 winner. WAKA REO screens on Maori Television from Sunday July 13 at 8.00 PM.
Ends