Presenter glad Maori TV offers unique perspective

The Presenter: Julian Wilcox

Iwi: Ngapuhi, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa

Age: 29

Position at Maori TV: Presenter

Previous experience in broadcasting: Radio Te Upoko o Te Ika Brekky DJ; TVNZ Te Karere

Q. What is your aim for Maori Television?

A. To be the eyes and ears for Maoridom. To be the Maori voice to the world.

Q. How will you judge its success?

A. When people continue to talk about us. If they are not talking about us, whether it's good or bad, then they're not watching.

Q. How are you feeling right now?

A. Excited, as you would be. Being a part of something like this for the first time is amazing. Honoured to think I'm a part of something people fought, cried and dreamed of. It's really humbling. Determined to ensure that this becomes all it can be and more.

Q. Why should Maori tune in?

A. Is that a rhetorical question or what? Look at the name, Maori Television. Enough said.

Q. Why should Pakeha?

A. No other station will give primetime viewing for things Maori, in Maori by Maori. Maoritanga is what differentiates us from the rest of the world. Only Maori TV can deliver that unique perspective.

Q. Why do we need Maori television?

A. Without it, the world could misconstrue Aotearoa as a former colony of Britain, a present state of Australia, a loyal follower of Americanism with no visible indigenous culture of its own to celebrate.

Q. What will be an early highlight?

A. Personally, all the old stuff will be awesome to see again. I shouldn't forget Te Kaea. The news will go off!