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This series is currently off air but  you can view previous episodes on tvnz.co.nz here

About the Show

'Eye To Eye' host Willie Jackson makes no apologies for his show's sometimes fiery nature, and is unashamed about coming from a very pro-Maori perspective in his broadcasting work.

"It's no secret that Maori issues are important to me," says Jackson. "I can't hide that - I was once the leader of a Maori political party. People say you have to be absolutely unbiased to hold a debate but I think that's nonsense. I think everyone has a bias; it's how you handle that bias."

Jackson wants 'Eye To Eye' to be a vehicle for honest debate: "I have my perspective and the day's four panellists all have theirs. The show is about talking openly and about people giving their views. What I've tried to do with the show is create a forum where everyone feels relaxed about that."

The sort of in-depth panel discussion of issues 'Eye To Eye' sees is unique, he says. "It's a format that can sometimes get a bit heated on-air, but I always find that everyone shakes hands and speaks civilly to one another in the greenroom afterwards."

'Eye To Eye' will continue with the same broad approach as last year, covering issues such as political correctness, child abuse, parliamentary behaviour, and can if Maori be racist. Executive producer Claudette Hauiti, from Front of the Box Productions, says she is keen to make 'Eye To Eye' appeal to as broad an audience as possible.

"We often get letters from viewers saying they didn't think the programme would be their sort of thing, but they have been drawn into it and got hooked. I love to hear that."

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