WITBC '08 - Gala Dinner - Launch of "Te Reo"

As well as being WITBC's closing event, the gala dinner included the first, live-to-air broadcast of "Te Reo"; celebrations for Māori Television's fourth birthday; and the presentation of Te Rerenga Tahi.
Māori Television's daily news programme, Te Kaea, broadcast live from the venue from 7.30 PM to 8.00 PM.
The entertainment included leading taonga puoro musicians; an indigenous fashion showcase; and New Zealand music icon, Ardijah.

WITBC '08 GALA DINNER AND LAUNCH OF "TE REO"

Māori television's new Māori language channel, Te Reo, was officially launched at the gala dinner of WITBC '08. An hour long broadcast celebrated the event which began with cocktails in the foyer.

WITBC '08 Day Three - afternoon sessions

The final afternoon began with the panel of CEO's from the indigenous broadcasting outlets represented at WITBC '08, reporting back on the development of the WITBN.
Auckland Girls' Grammar School kapa haka group "Kahurangi ki Maungawhau" stunned the audience with their style, creativity and grace.
It was back to business then with the announcement that Taiwan will host WITBC 10.
The Final Thoughts of Day Three were led by the WITBC '08 Ambassador, Sir Paul Reeves.
"Many Hands", the multicultural musical extravangza finished off the afternoon with a rousing performance - and Māori Television Chairman, Garry Muriwai, closed the conference.

WITBC '08 Day Three - late morning session

The second morning session of Day Three of WITBC '08 featured Margaret Mary Murray, the head of the Gaelic Digital Service, BBC Scotland.
She spoke of the BBC's role in indigenous affairs and how the organisation's committment to revitalising the indigenous culture and language.

WITBC '08 Day Three - Fri 28 March - Morning Session

The third and final day of WITBC '08 began with comments from the Hon Parekura Horomia, Minister of Māori Affairs talking on the Government's Māori Language Strategy.
Patricia Turner, CEO of NITV Australia then spoke about a new era for indigenous Australia with the advent of NITV.
DZIAH then entertained the crowd with some stylish dance moves.
A man with moves of his own was Dr Saul Berman, Global Strategy Leader. Media and Entertainment Industry, IBM Global Business Services. He spoke on the convergence of new and old media and the conflict for traditional broadcasters in that mix.

WITBC '08 Day Three - Dawn Ceremony - Te Reo Launch

The dawn ceremony officially launching Māori Television's new channel "Te Reo" began at 5.00 am at their studios in Newmarket, Auckland.
Several international WITBC delegates were welcomed, along with local dignitaries and kaumatua. The Hon Parekura Horomia, Minister of Māori Affairs, Tūwhakairiora Williams, Chairman Te Pūtahi Pāoho and Garry Muriwai, Board Chairman, Māori Television unveiled the plaque.
The skies were sunny, the morning warm and auspiciously clear.

WITBC '08 Day Two - Thu 27 March - Late Afternoon Session

The second afternoon session began with the Te Puni Kōkiri Native Affairs Panel - The Great Audience Debate. Hosted by Julian Wilcox, the debate featured John Walter Jones, Glenda Wynyard, Shaun Broan and Leith Comer.
The question for the debate centred around what is the ideal balance between good ratings and making programmes that revitalise the language.
Final Thoughts of the Day were led by Julian Wilcox Amohaere Houkamau.