Te Uamairangi,Damien Rangi was born in Auckland and spent his early schooling years in Auckland South, Putaruru and Murupara before finishing his education in Ruātoki.
Immersed in the Māori Television circuit for the past 7 years, and only recently making a move to the Arab emirate State of Qatar, where a 6 month contract as a Senior Specialist Floor Manager for Al Jazeera English, a 24 hour live news broadcast, has brought about a whole new way of life.
The motivation for change was due to career strategy, and when your daily starting rate is three times the amount of your regular pay, who wouldn’t grasp the opportunity?
“I’m loyal to Māori Television kaupapa so I have preferred to offer my services almost exclusively,” but “ Five weeks after receiving a contract offer from Al Jazeera, I was boarding an airbus for a 20 hour flight to Doha”.
After a week in Qatar the Muslim observance of Ramadan began, making it forbidden to eat or drink during daylight. Even chewing gum is a no-no!
“It definitely makes you think about what you’re doing at any given time of the day, this is tough for non-Muslim.”
Damien boarding his flight to Qatar.
The communication barrier has been quickly conquered as he has learnt to physically point out what he desires which makes things happen quicker. The greatest shock has been the heat because nothing can prepare you for a 50 degree desert summer when you have just left a 5 degree winter, but coping is made easier with air-conditioning, even right down to the air-conditioned bus stops!
At Al Jazeera his responsibilities involve ensuring the smooth running of operations for News Presenters and Camera Crews which can be a chaotic place to control, but whatever the director wants to happen, Damien makes it happen.
The biggest person to influence his life has been without a doubt his Mum.
“I see it was her that has given everything to help me get through...the toughest times. Her formidable inner strength, drive, and sense of purpose constantly providing those around her with inspiration...”
Late last year she suffered a double brain aneurism, and while doctors held little hope, she has proved them wrong recovering within 8 months, well enough to return home. It was actually through her that the opportunity to apply to MTS arose, initially being employed to record subtitles, then progressing within a week to PA for the Reo General Manager, a position held for 2 years.
Reflecting on earlier life, memories of another opportunity aided by Mum spring forth. Fresh out of high school he was encouraged to join the Royal New Zealand Navy.
“Had I not joined the Navy, I might have ended up in a gang, or prison; that can’t be ruled out”.
After the rigid induction, he served for 6 consecutive years.
“ Life in the Navy instilled discipline and direction in me, it honed my ability to adapt. It showed me that people from all walks of life can work together toward a common goal”.
In the near future Damien has set his sights on becoming a Māori Multi-camera Director, for CNN or BBC. Those who have inspired him through his NZ based work experiences are the Crème de la crème of the industry. Among those named are: Larry Parr, Manutai Schuster, Hinewehi Mohi, Kay Ellmers, Te Hamua Nikora, Matai Smith, Tainui Stephens and the list goes on.
“You could never find a harder working bunch of people”.
Overcoming being away from family and whanau has been helped out by Skype video calling, but even hours of video can never amount to just one hug from his young daughter. Missing the beautiful fresh food is another test, for the most simplest of things like kaimoana, boil up, fresh milk and cream. Things that those of us at home take for granted.
Being a proud descendant of the Tuhoe Nation, it is evident that within him the great tool of TV Media shines through, and he has promoted his whanau, hapu and iwi through the tireless dedication to his career.
“ We can share our beautiful reo, to be freely creative...to tell our own unique stories. We have our own little quirks and ways, our own humour, culture, and rich heritage”.
Expressions of encouragement to Māori Rangatahi pursuing a career in the industry is confirmed with this wise piece of advice;
“Someone can walk you to the door, they might even be able to open it for you, but...only you can prove that you belong there”.
Nō reira, ngā mihi nui ki a koe Damien, mo tōu mahi whakahira e whakaatu ana ki te Ao whānui e! Tihei Mauri Ora!
Damien served in the Navy for 6 years.
(pictured here @far right).
Damien and his young daughter, whom he misses his daily hugs.
Photos courtesy of Damien Rangi.
( please see http://www.alternativemaorinewsfullinterview.blogspot.com/ for the full interview transcript)
Reporter: Janelle Murphy.
