The rise of young producers and voice of rangatahi are leading 17 nominations in 14 categories for Whakaata Māori at the 2023 NZTV Awards.
The stunning Homesteads series from young producers, Te Imurangi Media, has picked up four nominations while the hit high school romcom, Inky Pinky Ponky, from Tikilounge Productions, has secured five nominations.
The no-subject-is-too-sacred opinions of youth from award-winning, Rage Against the Rangatahi, Te Noni Ltd and Something for the Reo People, Arataua Media, and are also nominated in the Best Reo Māori category.
Acclaimed current affairs show, Te Ao with Moana, has again been nominated for Best Current Affairs Programme and Te Māngai Pāho Best Māori Programme with presenter, Moana Maniapoto, paying tribute to her son and producer, Hikurangi Jackson.
“In truth, Hikurangi is the driving force and responsible for the incredible number of young people now tuning in to current affairs and politics. We work hard to represent their voices as well as people from all walks of life across Aotearoa who trust us to tell their stories,” said Moana.
The commitment of Whakaata Māori to ANZAC has also been nominated for its 18th year of live coverage which led to the renaissance of the national commemorations among new generations.
Whakaata Māori Kaihautū, Shane Taurima, said the emergence of young voices and creators was driving a new wave of authentic storytelling in Aotearoa.
“They are creating fresh formats in their own voice, in te reo Māori, reflecting the Aotearoa we live in today. Whakaata Māori is privileged to support their passion and innovation as the waka for original, home-grown content and national identity,” said Mr Taurima.
The 17 nominations mark an exceptional year for Whakaata Māori which doubled Te Reo Māori channel audiences, increased online audiences by 33%, achieved its first milestone of 100,000 downloads for the MĀORI+ app and has reached more than a million viewers across rangatahi sports coverage on MĀORI ACTIVE.
“Our connection and growth with audiences is a testament to the many who illuminate the unique, indigenous voices and stories of Aotearoa that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world,” said Mr Taurima.
Whakaata Māori congratulates all finalists in the NZTV Awards 2023.
The full list of nominations is:
NZ On Air Best Drama
Inky Pinky Ponky Tikilounge Productions / Whakaata Māori / The Coconet
Best Factual Series
Homesteads: Season 1 Te Imurangi Ltd / Whakaata Māori
Best Current Affairs Programme
Te Ao with Moana Whakaata Māori
Te Māngai Pāho Best Māori Programme
Te Ao with Moana Whakataa Māori
Homesteads
Te Imurangi Ltd / Whakaata Māori
Te Māngai Pāho Best Reo Māori Programme
Rage Against The Rangatahi MMXXII
Te Noni Ltd / Whakaata Māori
Something For The People
Arataua Media / Whakaata Māori Facebook & On Demand
Homesteads Te Imurangi Ltd / Whakaata Māori
NZ On Air Best Pasifika Programme
Inky Pinky Ponky: Season 1
Tikilounge Productions / TheCoconet / Whakaata Māori
Best Live Event Coverage
ANZAC 2023 Whakaata Māori
Best Entertainment Programme
Ka Pō, Ka Ao Rob Ruha with the Auckland Philharmonia
Satellite / Whakaata Māori
Best Director: Documentary/Factual
Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne Homesteads
Te Imurangi ltd / Whakaata Māori
Best Actress
Amanaki Prescott-Faletau Inky Pinky Ponky
Tikilounge Productions / TheCoconet / Whakaata Māori
Best Supporting Actress
Sesilia Pusiaki Inky Pinky Ponky
Tikilounge Productions / TheCoconet / Whakaata Māori
Images & Sound Best Original Score
Riki Gooch The Untold Tales of Tūteremoana
Sweetshop & Green / Whakaata Māori
Best Costume Design
Feeonaa Clifton & Ani O’Neill The Untold Tales of Tūteremoana
Sweetshop & Green / Whakaata Māori
Best Script: Drama
Amanaki Prescott-Faletau & Leki Jackson-Bourke Inky Pinky Ponky
Tikilounge Productions / The Coconet / Whakaata Māori
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