Filming began on K' Road last weekend for a revamped local LGBT show expected to start screening this April on Maori Television.
"Wero is a half hour magazine lifestyles programme profiling the outrageously flamboyant, socially marginalised, gloriously exuberant, politically shunned, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex community," says Maori television production company Front of the Box.
Maori's original programme for LGBT Kiwis was Takataapui, which ran for six years until 2008. Its new name is the te reo word for 'challenge'. "Wero was chosen as the replacement name to challenge the gay community to be ever vigilant," say the show's crew. "The health and welfare of its people is paramount as it seeks visibility, acceptance and prosperity.
"Wero is also a challenge to straight communities, to be embracive of diversity, not only sexual orientation but diversity of religion, diversity of politics and diversity of race."
Twenty episodes will be made, each being 50% te reo, in accordance with Maori Television's aim to revitalise Maori language and culture.
Along with a name change comes a new crew for the series, which includes Queer Nation producer Andrew Whiteside, who'll direct 'coming out' segments along with hard-hitting feature stories. Josh Bridgman is producing safe sex segments while Donald Hollingsworth presents fashion items. Takataapui executive producer Claudette Hauiti returns to produce Wero.
'The G List'
Wero's fashion reporter Donald Hollingsworth, complete with his own small piece of red carpet, is now positioning himself outside events to ask attendees the simple question: "What are you wearing?"
He says he started filming for his G List segment on K' Road last weekend and was particularly impressed with how glamorous the women at Saturday Lush night were dressed.
"As GLBTI people we have always had our own way of dressing but do the looks we wear suit our body shapes or complexions - and are they age-appropriate?" the fashionista asks GayNZ.com.
"If the guest is wearing the appropriate look for them, they will be put on the G List, 'G' being a letter that represents 'Great', 'Gorgeous' and 'Glamorous'.
Hollingsworth says he'll be filming outside K' Road's Naval & Family pub this Friday night, and at the upcoming OurFest Awards night.
