WHAT'S IN A POCKET? A lost key?...
A golf ball?...
Or maybe even...
a Taniwha's toenail!! PŪKORO (pockets) is a fun, educational half hour show for children in 100% te reo Māori that screens every weeknight at 4pm on Māori Television from July 10th, 2006. PŪKORO features four presenters, Ariaan Dingle-Gage, Rawiri Waru, Te Amohaere Tapene and Hamuera Lacey, and three giant carved tiki Tama, Hine and Pepi who have magic pockets. In each of the show's 50 episodes the PŪKORO crew go on a journey of discovery based on the contents of the tiki's pockets. A toy cow means a visit to the farm, a microphone inspires the formation of the PŪKORO band, red plastic noses mean the circus, medals mean the Olympics, and a tool belt means we're going to build a wharenui! Each episode features songs, stories acted out by the presenters, activities that children can follow at home, and segments filmed on location. Join the PŪKORO crew as they sing, act, dance, and explore their way through the universe. PŪKORO is aimed at children aged five years and under, but the high standard of language and educational content means that the show will also be enjoyed by older children and is a chance for parents to learn some new words alongside their kids. PŪKORO will capture every child's imagination - and have them wondering what they'll find in Tama, Hine and Pepi's pockets next episode! PŪKORO was created and produced by Quinton Hita, the director of Kura Productions, who drew on his broadcasting career and his personal experience with young sons Temepara (3 years old) and Manuao (18 months). "A major focus of this show is providing really solid, high quality, Māori language-models for the kids," he says. "I want my children to be entertained, educated, enlightened, and empowered. I think I'm the rule, not the exception." One of Quinton's goals was to give children the vocabulary to describe the world around them in detail, including new technologies like hairdryers or elevators, and job specific vocabulary – from tight-rope walking to pitching a tent. He recommends PŪKORO as a painless way for busy parents like himself to extend their own vocabulary so they can talk more specifically about the subjects that fascinate children. But he's most excited by the reactions of children who have seen the show, including his own. "About a week after watching the mail episode my son Temepara got a package from his grandparents," explains Quinton. "We weren't home to receive it so we took Temepara to the post office. He could talk intelligently about the entire process based on him having watched PŪKORO. "Not only did he know the process but he knew all the vocabulary to go with it. So he knew the word for sorting and he knew the word for delivering mail. It's a real thrill to see something you create have such a positive impact on your children." PŪKORO! He aha kei roto? PŪKORO was produced by Quinton Hita and directed by Katie Wolfe for Kura Productions Limited with funding from Te Māngai Pāho |
