The Maori language skills of two talented teams will be put to the test in this first of three one-hour specials of debate show. The teams, made up of three reo Maori speakers, go head-to-head in the studio on a topic selected for each special, with one arguing for and the other against. Presented by Te Kauhoe Wano, the series is also a competition as the language and debate is judged by a panel of well-known reo Maori exponents, Te Kepa Stirling, Wiha Raki-Hawea and first-time judge Kotuku Tibble. The judges have to decide which team has the best and most convincing argument. They can deduct points for using transliterations if there is a more appropriate Maori word and for incorrect language, and add points for content, humour and originality. Although the specials are entirely in the Maori language, English language subtitles are included for the benefit of all viewers. These debates are absolutely hilarious, very non-PC and full of surprises, says producer Erina Tamepo. The topic for this first is 'Pai ake te ataahua i te matauranga' (It is better to be beautiful than brainy). Team one is Vapi Kupenga, Whare Kupenga-Keefe and Debbie Keefe who argue the affirmative, while team two is Parekura Kupenga, Te Kopa Kingi and Lyn Graham who present the negative.