New Zealand’s national indigenous broadcaster will be the lead free-to-air broadcaster of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Māori Television will be the only free-to-air broadcaster of all 48 games of the tournament, of which 16 games will be live and 32 will be televised on a delayed basis.

All 16 live games – including the opening match, both semi-finals, the Bronze Final and the Final – will also be simulcast on the 100 per cent Māori language channel, Te Reo, and made available to iwi radio stations throughout New Zealand.

Māori Television chief executive Jim Mather says viewers can expect insightful, unique and innovative coverage of the world’s third-largest sports event. Commentary will include five to 10 per cent Māori language on the Māori Television channel.

“As lead free-to-air broadcaster, Māori Television will ensure our coverage of this event is second-to-none,” Mr Mather says.