Matai Rangi Smith (born 2 May 1977) is a New Zealand television presenter.

Personal life

Matai was born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand and later moved to Auckland when he began working in Television. He speaks fluent Māori language, Te Reo Maori and is of Rongowhakaata, Ngai Taamanuhiri, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Ngāti Kahungunu descent. In April 2013, Matai announced his same-sex relationship with The GC (TV series), The GC star, Alby Waititi. The announcement was made before the final reading of the controversial Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013, Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill.

Career

Matai was first seen as a host on children's show ''Pukana'', an educational/variety show written entirely in Māori language, Māori. He is better known as host of ''Korero Mai''TVNZ
Good Morning. and ''Whanau'', a drama series that teaches the Maori language to viewers. Matai has since hosted live karaoke show ''Homai Te Paki Paki'', as well as appearing as a regular host on ''Good Morning (New Zealand show), Good Morning'' between 2007 and 2012. He is one of very few personalities who has worked for most of New Zealand's main national television networks, including Māori Television, TVNZ and TV3 (New Zealand), TV3.

Awards

In 2005, 2006 and 2007 Matai won Best Te Reo Māori Television Presenter (Male) at the Māori Media Awards. Then in 2012, he won Best Presenter in the entertainment/factual category at the 2012 New Zealand Television Awards for his work on ''Homai Te Paki Paki''.

References

External links

TVNZ - Personality Profile
1977 births Living people People from Gisborne, New Zealand New Zealand television presenters Ngāti Kahungunu people Rongowhakaata people New Zealand Māori broadcasters {{Māori-bio-stub