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
Ngāti Rangiwewehi is a New Zealand Māori iwi (tribe) of the Te Arawa confederation.
A Ngāti Rangiwewehi kapa haka group was founded in 1968 and has published their own songs and participated in various music festivals such as Te Matatini. T ...
and
Rangitāne
Rangitāne is a Māori iwi (tribe). Their rohe (territory) is in the Manawatū, Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Marlborough areas of New Zealand.
The iwi was formed as one of two divisions (aside from Muaūpoko) of the expedition team led by Wh ...
descent.
[NZ On Screen ]
Ernie Leonard, Biography
/ref>
Along with Steve Rickard
Sydney Mervin "Merv" Batt (3 September 1929 – 5 April 2015), best known by his ring name Steve Rickard, was a New Zealand professional wrestler, trainer and promoter. As a wrestler, he traveled throughout the world during the 1960s and 1970 ...
, he co-hosted and commented for the wrestling show, ''On the Mat
''On the Mat'' was a professional wrestling television programme for the National Wrestling Alliance-affiliated All Star Pro Wrestling (ASPW), or simply NWA New Zealand, that aired on Television New Zealand's TV2 from 1975 to 1984. One of the m ...
''. During his career, he worked with people such as producer Ngaire Fuata. In 1986, he recruited Whai Ngata
Tanara Whairiri Kitawhiti "Whai" Ngata (c. 1942 – 3 April 2016) was a Māori broadcaster, journalist, and lexicographer.
Ngata worked for Radio New Zealand from 1975 to 1983, before moving to Television New Zealand. He led the Māori de ...
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
''Don't Let It Get You'' is a film made in New Zealand and Sydney, Australia in 1966. It is notable for the period it was made in as well as the popular musical acts that featured in it.
Sir Howard Morrison, Eddie Low, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and H ...
'', 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
Television New Zealand (, "Te Reo Tātaki" meaning "The Leading Voice"),
more commonly referred to as TVNZ, is a New Zealand state-owned media company and Crown entity. The company operates a television network, streaming service, and news se ...
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.[NZ On Screen ]
Ernie Leonard, Biography
/ref>
Filmography
Actor
Crew
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leonard, Ernie
1931 births
1994 deaths
New Zealand television presenters
People from Marton, New Zealand
Deaths from cancer in New Zealand