Ernie Leonard

Ernie Leonard (1931 – 15, July 1994) was a New Zealand television presenter, wrestling commentator, and actor. He was well known to wrestling fans.

Background Leonard was born in Marton, New Zealand in 1931. The son of an Anglican minister, he was of Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Rangitāne descent. Along with Steve Rickard, he co-hosted and commentated for the wrestling show, On the Mat. During his career, he worked with people such as producer Ngaire Fuata. In 1986, he recruited Whai Ngata to start up the Māori department on Television New Zealand.

Acting roles In 1966 Leonard appeared in the film Don't Let It Get You, which was directed by John O'Shea. At the time, Leonard was employed as the public relations officer in Rotorua.

Leonard played the part of Charlie Rata, a core character in the ground-breaking TV series Pukemanu, which ran from 1971 to 1972.

Television Leonard secured the position of head of the Maori Programmes Department for TVNZ during the mid-1980s. He was the first person to hold that position. In 1982 he became the producer of Koha the TVNZ programme on Māori culture and history.

Death Leonard died at age 62 on 15 July 1994 following a short battle with cancer.

Filmography

Actor Year Title Role Type 1966 Don't Let It Get You Himself Feature film 1971-72 Pukemanu Charlie Rata TV series 1975-81 On The Mat Presenter TV wrestling show (also producer 1981-84) 1984 A Big Country presents Kiwis Himself TV documentary series

Crew Year Title Role Type 1993 Radio Wha Waho Executive Producer TV comedy series