Discovery has announced Oriini Kaipara will join Simon Shepherd as co-host of Three's political current affairs show Newshub Nation as it returns to air this Saturday at 9:30am on Three and ThreeNow.
With nearly two decades experience as a broadcaster, Kaipara joined the network in 2021 and has presented Newshub Live at 4:30pm since that time, along with filling in presenting other Newshub bulletins.
Renowned for her ability to converse fluently in Māori and English, Kaipara is well-respected for her approach to issues of significance to Māori.
"Oriini is an award-winning journalist and experienced broadcaster, who commands respect," says Newshub's Director of News Sarah Bristow.
"Together, Oriini and Simon will tackle the biggest political issues in Aotearoa and I'm excited to see what this powerful duo can achieve together."
Kaipara is of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi and Ngāi Tūhoe descent and has spent her life committed to the revitalisation of te reo and tikanga Māori. As a guest host for Newshub Nation in 2021, Oriini interviewed Minister Kelvin Davis in the programme's first ever lead interview conducted largely in te reo Māori.
"I'm thrilled to join Newshub Nation as co-host," says Kaipara.
"It's vital we give fair, accurate and balanced views of Māori political issues that affect not just Māori but all of Aotearoa New Zealand. The steady uptake of te reo by politicians and society at large in recent times is testament to the value and mana of te reo and I'm focused on ensuring Māori views and voices are heard."
Shepherd has co-hosted Newshub Nation since 2018, drawing on 25 years of journalism experience including working at BBC World News and two decades of current affairs and politics with Three.
Newshub Nation's executive producer Hannah Brown says: "I'm excited to have such a fearless interviewing team ready for a high-stakes political year."
Newshub Nation is funded by New Zealand On Air through the Public Interest Journalism Fund.
It premieres live on Saturday at 9.30am, with repeats on Sundays at 10am and Tuesdays at 11pm.
The 2022 season of Newshub Nation begins with an extended interview with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
