On election night, join Whakaata Māori and the Te Ao Māori News team for live and comprehensive coverage of the races that matter most to Māori communities across the motu.
Whakatau 2026: Election Night Special will air live from 7.00 till late – delivering real-time results, expert analysis and on-the-ground reporting from every Māori electorate and all the party HQs.
Wherever viewers are on the night, the programme will be streamed on MĀORI+, MAORI+ Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, Whakaata Māori, Te Ao Māori News website, Facebook and YouTube.
The special programme will be co-hosted by award-winning political journalist Maiki Sherman and veteran broadcaster Julian Wilcox, guiding viewers through the key moments, emerging trends and the results that will shape New Zealand's political future.
Tamati Rimene-Sproat will lead the programme's results and data coverage, breaking down the numbers as they happen through real-time graphics, vote tracking and trends.
Along with reporters from our media partners – Tahu News, Tuia, Aukaha, Taiuru, Taioro and Pūkaea – Te Ao Māori News will bring audiences direct updates from candidates, campaign teams and local communities.
The special broadcast will include a team of commentators contributing insights and perspectives as results are confirmed and the new political landscape comes into focus.
In a new collaborative approach to election coverage, Whakaata Māori and TVNZ will share selected content and camera access from key party headquarters, further enhancing the breadth and depth of reporting available to viewers.
As the only broadcaster with a dedicated focus on Māori electorates and Māori communities, Whakaata Māori's Election Night Special will provide audiences with a uniquely Māori lens on one of the country's most significant elections.
Whakatau 2026: Election Night Special Saturday, Election Night 7.00pm - 11.00pm Live on Whakaata Māori, MĀORI+ and digital platforms
