Why does Aotearoa New Zealand need a Māori language Television channel?
The Māori language is the cornerstone of Māori culture. It provides a platform for Māori cultural development and supports a unique New Zealand identity within a global society. It is a taonga, at the very heart of Māori culture and identity, and for that reason alone it must be preserved and fostered.
Through the course of the 20th century, however, the health of the Māori language was seriously compromised and by the 1970s academics were predicting the death of the language within a generation.
The Māori Television Service (Māori Television) is part of a national strategy to revitalise te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. The most recent literature describing the background for Māori broadcasting and Māori Television is the Report of the Māori Broadcasting Advisory Committee (MBAC), which was released in September 2000. This report provides a comprehensive historical context describing the struggle that Māori have endured to gain recognition of the importance and place of te reo Māori in broadcasting. It correlates this struggle with the steady decline of the Māori population fluent in te reo Māori, concluding that whilst Māori have been marginalised in the broadcasting sector, te reo Māori has declined to a “perilous state”.
When did Māori Television begin broadcasting?
Māori Television went to air on 28 March 2004. Click here to see information and photos from our launch.
Programmes
What sorts of programmes are shown?
Māori Television screens a range of programmes that portray Māori from a Māori perspective.
We broadcast news, sports, current affairs and general programmes produced in-house (most of these live to air) and original programmes made by independent Māori and non-Māori producers. We re-license archival footage, some of it never seen before in Aotearoa, and screen high quality indigenous programmes from around the world that are of interest to Māori.
Are all programmes in te reo Māori?
No, Māori Television is a bilingual channel with at least 50 percent of programmes in te reo. Some Māori language and English programmes are subtitled, with some programmes reversioned.
Can everyone receive Māori Television?
Māori Television broadcasts to 83% of the New Zealand population via the UHF frequency and to 100% of the country via the digital platform. Click here for details on how to tune in to Māori Television.
What time is Māori Television on air?
Māori Television broadcasts ever day from 4pm to 11.30pm. We also broadcast a children's Māori language learning programme from 10am to 11am each weekday.
Is your news programme, Te Kāea, subtitled for non-Māori language speakers?
The late bulletin of Te Kāea, which screens at 11pm, has English language subtitles.
Ratings
Are people watching Māori Television?
Māori Television measures its audience by:
Nielsen Media Research Peoplemeter Panel
Regular audience surveys
Under the Māori Television Service Act 2003, Māori Television is required to revitalise te reo Māori (the Māori language) and tikanga Māori (Māori culture). Our goal is to significantly contribute to te reo and tikanga Māori being valued and embraced.
Māori Television has not been established as a commercial entity and does not compete with mainstream channels. That said, Māori Television, as a fiscally responsible organisation, takes every opportunity to generate revenue through advertising sales.
Funding
What programmes has Māori Television funded so far?
As the broadcaster Māori Television commissions programmes and provides those programmes that meet its criteria with a Commitment to Broadcast. Independent producers are then required to approach Māori broadcasting funder, Te Māngai Pāho, with an application for funding. Māori Television will fund only those programmes produced in-house.
Māori Television is a statutory corporation. Its two stakeholders are:
the Crown, which provides funding; and
Te Pūtahi Paoho, which represents Māori and provides the Management Right over broadcast frequencies.
Your Involvement
How can I become involved in Māori Television?
Our philosophy is that Māori Television is part of New Zealand society. Our studios have been designed so that, at any time of the day or night, members of the public can view television being made.
And, if you want to have your say, you can record your message at Te Kokonga Kōrero (Speaker's Corner). The best of Kokonga Kōrero are screened on the channel.
Is it possible to visit Māori Television?
We welcome groups to tour our studios. On certain days of the week you can visit Māori Television and be hosted to a 45 minute tour of our premises. Contact info@maoritelevision.com to make your booking.
Can I receive news about Māori Television?
Yes. Māori Television distributes a weekly email newsletter with the latest news and developments. Want to receive the newsletter?
Contact info@maoritelevision.com to be added to the newsletter email list.
Where can I send you a letter? Where can I visit you? Who can I send an email to?
