Maori Television Acknowledgement

MEDIA RELEASE
27 January 2011

Maori Television Acknowledgement

Maori Television has acknowledged the contribution of board Director and former Chairman Wayne Walden ONZM, who has resigned from the board effective 31 January 2011.

Mr Walden, who has been involved with Maori Television since 2002, has submitted his resignation following his appointment as a Director to the board of TVNZ.

A long-serving member of the Maori Television board, Mr Walden joined the broadcaster in 2002 as Acting Chief Executive. In 2003 he was appointed Chairman of the Maori Television board and held that position until his resignation in 2007. Since that time Mr Walden has served as a board Director.

Maori Television Chairman Garry Muriwai acknowledged the extensive and important contribution that Mr Walden had made to the indigenous broadcaster, describing his contribution as integral to the success that Maori Television had achieved.

“Wayne’s significant leadership and governance skills, together with his commercial and business acumen, have played a major role in the development and success of Maori Television,” said Mr Muriwai.

“He served for four years as Chairman, commencing during the early years at a time when the organisation needed an experienced and steady hand to guide its launch and establishment phases,” he said. “His leadership and expertise have set a firm foundation from which Maori Television continues to develop and achieve. On behalf of the board and staff of Maori Television I offer my thanks and appreciation to Wayne for his very significant contribution.”

Mr Walden said his work with Maori Television had been amongst the most rewarding of his career.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have played a small part in the establishment of Maori Television, this being one of the most challenging and at the same time, most satisfying projects of my business career,” Mr Walden said.

“I am delighted with the significant progress that Maori Television has made since launching. It has gained considerable credibility in respect of the New Zealand public and continues to meet its statutory obligations. It is well positioned to achieve its full potential to assist in the revitalisation of te reo Maori and to continue to contribute to the development of our nationhood and pride as New Zealanders,” he said.

“I leave Maori Television with a very committed board and a strong, capable management team in place. And I look forward to watching the progress of the organisation as it continues its important job of promoting Maori language and culture.”

ENDS

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