Tuku's backyard show okay with the Kumars

By JON STOKES

Tuku Morgan's chat show Matua Whangai will return to Maori Television screens this year after the British producers of The Kumars at No 42 agreed the show does not infringe their rights to the format.

The show was pulled from Maori Television last month after concerns were raised by London-based Hat Trick Productions, which makes the award-winning Kumars.

In the British show, host Sanjeev Bhaskar interviews guests in a studio built by his parents in their back garden, interrupted regularly by his parents and grandmother.

In Matua Whangai, host Tau Henare, interrupted by his wayward nephew, interviews guests in a studio built in a shed in his and Mr Morgan's mother-in-law's backyard.

Maori Television spokeswoman Sonia Haggie said she had received a letter from Hat Trick saying it accepted that Matua Whangai did not infringe its rights to the format of The Kumars at No 42.

"Hat Trick Productions has advised that ... it will be taking the matter no further."