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Part one of two from the first half hour of Māori Television launch coverage.

Part two of two from the first half hour of Māori Television launch coverage.

Part one of two from the first half hour of Māori Television launch coverage.

Part two of two from the first half hour of Māori Television launch coverage.

Māori Television Launch

Television (Full Length) – 2004

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After years of protest, agitation, and court hearings, the Māori Television Service finally launched on 28 March 2004. This is the first 30 minutes that went to air. Presented by Julian Wilcox and Rongomaianiwaniwa Milroy, the transmission begins with a traditional montage of Aotearoa scenic wonder (with a twist of tangata whenua); the launch proper opens with a dawn ceremony at Māori Television's Newmarket offices, featuring MPs and other dignitaries. Wilcox also gives background information on the channel and outlines upcoming programming highlights.

E nga mana e nga reo nau mai ra. Welcome to the launch of the Māori Television channel. The launch marks the realisation of a dream that has taken many years of blood, sweat and tears. And we pay tribute to the efforts of those who've passed on. Today we celebrate the start of the Māori Television channel: A new era in broadcasting.
– Niwa Milroy