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Brought to you by Ngā Aho Whakaari
Tākaro Pāpāho
Application Guidelines
applications have now closed
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Overview
Tākaro Pāpāho is a pilot programme designed to introduce fluent te reo Māori speakers from across the motu to the world of sports commentary. Through a series of in-person wānanga, participants will develop their reo, technical skills, and on-screen confidence across rugby and rugby league.
The programme aims to identify and grow new talent, with a strong emphasis on increasing the number of female commentators in the industry. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with leading broadcasters including Rangiata Sky TV, Whakaata Māori and Te Reo Tātaki TVNZ, gaining insight into real-world broadcasting environments.
Up to ten participants will be selected for the programme – a series of four one-day wānanga between May and August. Through this experience, participants will acquire foundational skills in sport commentary, build industry connections and learn alongside other tauira who want to pursue sports media and broadcasting mahi.
Tākaro Pāpāho will be delivered by an experienced team of broadcasters including Hemana Waaka, Te Arahi Maipi, Te Aorere Pewhairangi, Mel Robinson, Tumamao Harawira, Stacey Morrison and Nevak Rogers.
Tākaro Pāpāho is presented by Ngā Aho Whakaari; funded by Te Mātāwai; in association with Te Māngai Pāho and the NZ Film Commission with the support of Rangiata Sky TV, Whakaata Māori and Te Reo Tātaki, TVNZ.
Applicants Criteria
- Be fluent speakers of te reo Māori
- Have a strong interest in sport, the cohort will be specialising in rugby and/or rugby league
- Demonstrate confidence, personality, and potential for on-screen presence
- Have strong communication and storytelling abilities
- Be open to learning both creative and technical aspects of broadcasting
- Be reliable and able to commit to all wānanga and programme requirements
- Show a willingness to grow, take feedback, and develop the craft
Wāhine are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to increasing female representation in sports commentary
Who Can Apply
You can apply if you:
- Are fluent in te reo Māori
- Have a strong understanding of rugby union and/or rugby league
- Have a passion for sport and an interest in sports commentary
- Are available to attend all in-person wānanga in Tāmaki Makaurau
- Are committed to developing your skills in broadcasting
Key Dates
Details are still being finalised. All wānanga will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau at Rangitata Sky TV, Whakaata Māori and Te Reo Tātaki, TVNZ. Applicants must be available to attend all scheduled wānanga.
Compulsory Wānanga Dates:
- Wānanga 1 – Friday 29th May 2026
- Wānanga 2 – Friday 26th June 2026
- Wānanga 3 – Friday 31st July 2026
- Masterclass - August (online only)
The specialised masterclass is designed for experienced commentators in preparation for the upcoming rugby and rugby league seasons. As part of this, our Tākaro Pāpāho participants will be invited to join the wānanga, providing a unique opportunity to observe and gain deeper mātauranga through this tuakana-led learning environment.
We have a limited amount of pūtea to support travel. Further details regarding travel and accommodation support will be provided to successful applicants.
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by an experienced selection panel.
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 19 April & will be required to participate in a reo Māori interview during the week beginning 20 April.
Successful applicants will be notified by 26 April.
If your circumstances or availability change before this date, please contact us at takaropapaho@ngaahowhakaari.org.
Questions?
For more information or pātai please get in touch with us at takaropapaho@ngaahowhakaari.org
Terms & Conditions
Can be found here: Read Terms & Conditions
Apply Here
Applications are now closed. If you have any pātai please get in contact with us at takaropapaho@ngaahowhakaari.org