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Matai Smith

b. 1977

New Zealand television presenter

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About Matai Smith

Born 1977. Matai Smith is a New Zealand television presenter.

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 in 1996. He speaks fluent Te Reo Maori and is of Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Ngāti Kahungunu descent. He is currently the General Manager for Iwi Radio station Tūranga FM and also hosts the Parakuihi show.

Career Matai was first seen as a host on children's show Pukana, an educational/variety show written entirely in Māori. He is better known as host of Korero Mai 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 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.

Awards In 2005, 2006 and 2007 Matai won Best Te Reo Māori Television Presenter (Male) at the Māori Media Awards.

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Important facts

Birth century
Education
Lytton High School
Also known as
Matai Rangi Smith

Family & relationships

Spouse
Alby Waititi

People in Matai Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Matai Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Matai Smith?

New Zealand television presenter

When was Matai Smith born?

Matai Smith was born on 2 May 1977 in Gisborne.

What is Matai Smith's occupation?

Matai Smith is a television presenter.

What nationality is Matai Smith?

Matai Smith is New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Matai Smith

· Wikidata: Q6785986

· DBpedia: Matai Smith

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Matai Smith. https://biography.guide/matai-smith/

MLA: "Matai Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/matai-smith/.

Chicago: "Matai Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/matai-smith/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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