New Zealand’s first-ever 100 percent Māori language television channel, Te Reo, broadcasts three hours a day during the prime time hours of 8pm to 11pm on Freeview channel 24 and SKY Digital channel 59.

Māori Television chief executive Jim Mather says the launch of Te Reo is another milestone in language revitalisation initiatives. “Te Reo builds on the values established with the birth of New Zealand’s indigenous television channel four years ago,” Mr Mather says.

“It also furthers our mission to play a major role in revitalising the language and culture that are the birthright of every Māori and the heritage of every New Zealander.”

Schedule highlights include:

Te Tēpu – Monday at 9.30pm; repeats Thursday at 8.30pm: Current affairs show where the country’s best practitioners of te reo Māori share their views on local, national and international issues with presenter Waihoroi Shortland.

Te Pātaka Kōrero – Wednesday at 9.30pm; repeats Thursday at 9pm: Haare Williams presents this inspirational history series, which uses sound and visual archival material to bring the past back to the present.

Te Pae Hihiri – Thursday at 9.30pm: Māori Television’s leading sports commentator, Te Arahi Maipi, presents this studio-based sports show that reviews and previews all the action from the major sporting events.

Karawhiua – Friday at 8.30pm: A war of wit and cunning! Tihini Grant presents this game show that combines tikanga Māori and traditional techniques with contemporary practices.

Ruahine – Friday at 9.30pm: Studio interviews with well-known Māori women who speak about their tikanga from their own tribal perspective.

Whare Tapere – Sunday at 8pm: Studio-based show – fronted by Tamati Waaka – that explores the dynamics of kapa haka through discussion with special guests.

For more information, go to Māori Television’s website www.maoritelevision.com.