Hosted by Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa (New Zealand Maori Polynesian Canoe Sporting Federation), the National Waka Ama Club Sprint Championships attracted more than 1,200 competitors to Lake Karapiro in late January.

Maori Television will replay its coverage every Saturday on February 25, March 4 and March 11 between 6.30 PM and 7.00 PM followed by a two-hour special on Saturday March 18 from 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.

Meanwhile, the channel has also secured the production and broadcast rights for the Waka Ama IVF Va’a World Sprint Champs from March 21 to 25. Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa will host nearly 30 counties at idyllic Lake Karapiro in the Waikato as they paddle it out to become the best in the world.

Maori Television executive producer of sport Bailey Mackey says waka ama is a growth sport in Aotearoa and has become a popular part of the channel’s schedule, reinforcing its status as the home of Maori sport.

Witness the drama and action as the country’s best crews battle it out for top honours at the 2006 WAKA AMA SPRINT NATIONALS for a second time on Maori Television every Saturday – February 25, March 4 and March 11 – between 6.30 PM to 7.00 PM followed by a two-hour special on Saturday March 18 from 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.

Ends

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR 2006 WAKA AMA SPRINT NATIONALS

Year 2006
Censor General Exhibition (G)
Duration 3 x 30-minute and 1 x 120-minute sports specials
Language Maori and English

For more information contact:

Vanessa Bidois
Publicist (Internal)
Mâori Television

9-15 Davis Cres
PO Box 113-017
Newmarket
AUCKLAND

Ph +64 9 539 7159
Fax +64 9 539 7199
Mob 021 928 007

[email protected]
www.maoritelevision.com