MC & ENTERTAINMENT
MC
JULIAN WILCOX
Ngāpuhi and Te Arawa
Julian Wilcox (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) is an award-winning broadcaster, a former television executive and local industry veteran. One of Māori Television’s founding members. Wilcox’s prolific presence has played a vital role in the amplification of Māori-centric media for some 30 years now. With no end in sight. A true media stalwart, Julian fronted TVNZ’s Te Karere and Māori Televison’s award-winning Native Affairs — plus a number of media production, academic and management roles, including Chief Officer of Operations for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu - and is a beloved co-host on The Hui. The Hui, a programme sharing Māori perspectives on current affairs, sees Wilcox call upon his rich, dynamic career to tell stories of Māori development and whānau rangatiratanga, honour whaikōrero, uphold industry standards and engage (heartily) with viewers.
Relaxed and professional in virtually any setting, Julian Wilcox speaks with an informed optimism — both in English and Te Reo Māori. A seasoned MC and speaker, esteemed host and key player in Māori media, humble Julian Wilcox is unmatched in experience, likeability and flair.
ENTERTAINMENT
WHENUA PATUWAI
Whenua Patuwai is a New Zealand Singer and Songwriter. Born in Ōtautahi, Christchurch and raised on the East Coast in Tūranga Nui-A-Kiwa, Gisborne.
Whenua is known for his appearance on the first New Zealand series of The X Factor. Outside of Music, Whenua has a passion for working alongside Rangatahi and providing opportunities to Whānau that have a positive impact on their life. Artists such as Sam Cooke, Barry White and The Temptations are what Whenua was lucky enough to grow up listening to.
MARLEY SOLA
A young Singer, Songwriter and Producer hailing from Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Marley Sola’s life has been filled with music. He was recently a contestant on The Voice Australia.
He and his wife also own and run a music school here in Ōtautahi called Mellow Studios. The main purpose of the school is to give Rangatahi and Whānau the opportunity to express how they feel in a safe and positive environment. Marley crafts his soulful sound from influences such as Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and many more.