Matai Smith

Matai Rangi Smith (born 2 May 1977) is a New Zealand television presenter.

Matai Rangi Smith
Born
Matai Rangi Smith

(1977-05-02) 2 May 1977
Gisborne, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand Māori
OccupationTelevision presenter
Years active1996–present
TelevisionPukana, Homai Te Paki Paki, Korero Mai
Spouse(s)Alby Waititi

Personal life

Matai was born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand and later moved to Auckland when he began working in Television. He speaks fluent Te Reo Maori and is of Rongowhakaata, Ngai Taamanuhiri and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.

In April 2013, Matai announced his same-sex relationship with The GC star, Alby Waititi. The announcement was made before the final reading of the controversial Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill.[1]

Career

Matai was first seen as a host on children's show Pukana,[2] an educational/variety show written entirely in Māori. He is better known as host of Korero Mai[3] and Whanau, a drama series that teaches the Maori language to viewers. Matai has since hosted live karaoke show Homai Te Paki Paki, as well as appearing as a regular host on Good Morning between 2007 and 2012.[4] He is one of very few personalities who has worked for most of New Zealand's main national television networks, including Māori Television, TVNZ and TV3.

Awards

In 2005, 2006 and 2007 Matai won Best Te Reo Māori Television Presenter (Male) at the Māori Media Awards.[3] Then in 2012, he won Best Presenter in the entertainment/factual category at the 2012 New Zealand Television Awards for his work on Homai Te Paki Paki.[5]

References
  1. Holland, S. "Created Equal". Maori Television. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
  2. "Pukana Premieres on Maori Television". Scoop. Scoop Media Network. 24 January 2006. Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 10 February 2009.
  3. TVNZ, Good Morning.
  4. "Matai Smith (Kaiako)". TVNZ. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  5. Tahana, Y (23 January 2013). "TV presenter of the year loses his job". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 January 2013.


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