Quinton Hita and South Pacific Pictures have announced the formation of a new television production company Kura Productions. Kura Productions is a joint venture between Hita and South Pacific Pictures and will offer a range of programming to Maori Television Service and other broadcasters in New Zealand.

Quinton Hita will manage the joint venture and determine ifs scope and direction. South Pacific Pictures will contribute development funding, financial and legal advice, and training.

Quinton Hita, Head of Kura Productions, said: 'For me Maori television is the most exciting recent development in the New Zealand television industry. The advent of MTS has made it viable for someone like me, who has come up through the ranks and been committed to Maori programming for over a decade, to set up and manage their own production company.

'Kura Productions is an opportunity to focus my skills and experience on the projects I'm most passionate about. I'm delighted at the association with South Pacific Pictures because it gives Kura Productions, and by extension the Maori television industry as a whole, access to resources, expertise and training of the highest standard from one of New Zealand's most outstanding production companies.'

John Barnett, Managing Director of South Pacific Pictures, said: 'With his familiarity with the market, his knowledge of television production, expertise in Te Reo and above all his passion for Maori programming, Quinton Hita is uniquely placed for this role. We are delighted to be an investor in Quinton's new venture.'

For more information please contact:

Quinton Hita
Kura Productions
Ph: +64 9 839 0999
Mobile: +64-211-369-676
qhita@spp.co.nz