Maniapoto FM Voice of the King Country Turns 21

STEPHEN OLIVER

Mfm, Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto, is run by a trust and its purpose is to promote and sustain Maori culture and Maori values throughout the King Country on its four frequencies: Waitomo 99.6FM, Piopio 92.7FM, Rereahu 91.8FM, and Waipa 106FM.

I work under contract for a few hours every month, and my duties, “mentoring and professional development” cover editing, copy writing, news reading, production, and vocal coaching. There are four on-air personnel:

Kyle Rerekura (mornings); followed by, Te Aturangi Stewart and Wikitoria Day (Te Reo until noon), then Jackie-Lee Haereiti (afternoons). A dedicated crew with everyone from Jaqui Taitua, (station manager); Thomas Aperehama, (office manager); Raniera Winikerei, (production manager); and, Monica Louis, (marketing) – ensuring that this radio crew give the best of themselves to the best of their collective abilities. As indeed they do. An informed commitment to the wider community as one unified whole drives Mfm. With knowledge comes unity and with unity understanding. These people are focused on that vision.

Mfm Voice of the King Country has been broadcasting out of Te Kuiti for 21 years; Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto was founded by Te Pare Joseph, and incorporated on August 14, 1990, its first broadcast going to air on December 3 the same year. Te Aturangi Stewart, (who along with Wikitoria Day, carries the te reo segment on Mfm) is, in fact, the grandson of the founder, Te Pare Joseph.

So it was with much fanfare that Mfm held its 21st birthday party and concert at the Waitomo Cultural and Arts Centre, Te Kuiti, this Friday past, December 2, 2011. Kyle Rerekura and Wikitoria Day introduced the evening with upbeat style and panache (I could see the voice coaching was paying off with Kyle!) to an enthusiastic turn out. Then it was full on into the evening entertainment that included: “Looking back on the history of the station”, with Wille Jackson; musicians, Taisha, Suzanne Lynch, (the blonde half of The Chicks) and Thomas Stowers. A night of first-rate entertainment, food and dance. News flash! Mfm is alive and thriving in The King Country.

Stephen Oliver has published several volumes of poetry, including Harmonic and more recently Apocrypha. Travelled widely. Freelances as a voice artist and writer. He resides in the north King Country.

– © Fairfax NZ News