The cameras are in place, the microphones have been tuned for largest event on the Māori calendar. Every second, every day of haka will be broadcast live and there's a huge production happening behind the scenes.
According to Pango Aotearoa Ltd Producer, Bailey Mackey, “Its the first Te Matatini is going live on Te Reo, Māori Television and online to the world.”
“I'm shaking, now that I'm here at Hagley Park, and under the excitement I'm nervous. I didn't sleep last night, and now that I can see all the people here and all the performers, and shaking,” presenter Mātai Smith says.
11 cameras, 56 crew, 26 microphones, 2km of cable will be managed by Pango Aotearoa Limited on the ground for Te Matatini Incorporated.
Haka performances will be aired via satellite from Christchurch to Māori Television.
Māori Television HOD of Programming Haunui Royal says, “We’re aiming to reach over 200,000 viewers, via smartphone, internet stream and all other devices.”
Tomorrow, performances kick off starting with Te Kapa Haka o Kairanga at 8:45am.