KEY POINTS:
It's a low budget, "niche" broadcast and surely the only sports show with no sports footage at all - but that hasn't stopped CODE scooping Best Sports Programme at this week's Air New Zealand Screen Awards.
The Maori Television show - which promotes itself as the show with "no rugby, no netball, no league and not even any cricket" - beat off competition from 8 other sports programmes to take the award.
In its third season, the weekly show - with presenters including Tawera Nikau, Jenny-May Coffin and Glen Osborne - is still young compared with many of its peers.
Bailey Mackey, Maori Television executive producer of sport, said much of the show's success was down to the fact that it was not a Maori show, but a sports show that had wide appeal.
"That's reflective of many shows on Maori Television, which have strong Maori content, but interest a lot of New Zealanders."
Mackey said the programme's core philosophy was "a bunch of mates sitting round talking about sports and giving each other stick".
"We focus on the personalities and personalities are generic - they don't know creed or ethnicity."
The show, which attracts an average 30,000 viewers each week, is broadcast live. Guests have included Graham Henry, David Tua, Temepara George and Greg Murphy.
Most recently, Steve Price and Anthony Mundine were in the studio.
"Getting this calibre of guest is a real coup for us," said Mackey.
"We don't have a huge budget or resources, but we go out there and have a laugh and enjoy ourselves.
"And for an indigenous broadcaster getting mainstream recognition - and the chance to stand on stage with the Outrageous Fortune cast - is a real privilege and an honour."
Sonya Haggie, general manager sales and marketing, said CODE was one of the broadcaster's most popular programmes, consistently placing in the top 10 most watched. Viewers were roughly 50-50 Maori/Pakeha.
