WWE to broadcast on free TV in New Zealand starting this month

Feb 16, 2018 - by Colin Vassallo

WWE and Māori Television, New Zealand’s indigenous broadcaster, announced a new agreement to broadcast Raw and SmackDown on free-to-air TV in English and in the Māori language for the first time in New Zealand. Beginning February 24, 2018, Māori Television channel will televise a one-hour version of Raw at 7:30PM on Saturdays and a one-hour version of SmackDown at 7:30PM on Sundays. The Te Reo channel will broadcast the local language version of Raw on Mondays at 9PM. “We are excited to partner with Māori Television to deliver localized WWE content in New Zealand,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE Co-President. “This new agreement to televise Raw and SmackDown on free-to-air TV in both English and te reo Māori for the first time allows us to deliver our unique blend of action-packed, family friendly entertainment to our passionate fans in the region.” “Māori Television is thrilled to embark on this new relationship with WWE, a leading global entertainment company as we set to further engage new audiences with te reo Māori,” said Mike Rehu, Head of Content, Māori Television. “All Māori Television WWE content will feature New Zealand’s indigenous language as a component and we have engaged with some of the finest te reo Māori experts in the land to weave reo and tikanga into all platforms of broadcasts.” Māori Television will also broadcast WWE highlight shows WWE Experience at 7:30PM and This Week at 11:10PM on Fridays. Fans can watch all programs on 14-day authenticated VOD catch up through Māori Television’s website at maoritelevision.com.

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