Acclaimed broadcaster Julian Wilcox (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) is to host a new RNZ National programme featuring Māori from across Aotearoa.
Julian Wilcox. Photo: RNZ
The magazine-style show, Māpuna with Julian Wilcox, will have guests ranging sports legends and business leaders to artists and community advocates.
"The intention of our programme is to give focus to the tremendous things people are doing in the community, and also learn from their experience and expertise to help others throughout the country. 'He kura tangata, he puna kōrero.' Each guest will offer unique, deep, and wonderful insight," Wilcox said.
RNZ chief executive and editor-in-chief Paul Thompson said the broadcaster was delighted to have secured the renowned presenter to host and shape the new show that will showcase Māori talent and stories.
"We've been working towards adding something new to our coverage of Te Ao Māori on RNZ National that goes beyond what's covered so well by our Māori News and Te Ahi Kaa teams, and we're excited to be launching Māpuna.
"Julian has been a valued contributor to RNZ for several years, particularly as co-host of our Waitangi Day coverage and as stand-in presenter for Kim Hill. Julian is a brilliant broadcaster, and we know Māpuna will be in excellent hands with him at the helm."
Starting on 5 February, the show will air just after the RNZ National midday news.
Wilcox will also co-host RNZ's Waitangi Day coverage with Māni Dunlop from 8am to midday on RNZ National. Waitangi week will also see the return of Māori political show Party People, on Tuesday 8 February, hosted by Mihingārangi Forbes and featuring pundits Tau Henare and Shane Te Pou.