Ngā Aho Whakaari Seeks Answers From MTS CEO

Ngā Aho Whakaari Seeks Answers From MTS CEO

9 September 2014

In a meeting on Monday afternoon 8 September with Māori Television Chief Executive Paora Maxwell, Ngā Aho Whakaari Chairperson Kim Muriwai sought answers regarding the reports of programme cuts and widespread job losses at Māori Television.

Maxwell categorically denied that the planned restructuring will result in the cutting of Te Kaea or major staff reductions.

“Ngā Aho Whakaari has become increasingly concerned in recent times at the subtle undermining of the mana and rangatiratanga of Māori and Kaupapa Māori within the screen industry and at Māori Television,” said Muriwai.

“While we welcome the assurances that earlier reports were incorrect, as the body that represents Māori in the screen production industry Ngā Aho Whakaari is extremely disappointed that an environment exists within MTS where miscommunication between management and staff is rife, leading to misinformation and political involvement.”

“Any changes to be made at MTS must help to improve the culture of trust between management and staff so that the channel can focus on engaging as many people as possible in te reo and tikanga Māori through entertaining, innovative and informative programming,” Muriwai added.

Since its formation in 1996, Ngā Aho Whakaari has been a strong advocate for Māori in film and television. Its unceasing efforts led in no small part to the formation of the Māori funding body, Te Māngai Pāho and the setting up of the Māori Television Service. The board sees an ongoing advocacy role for the organisation to ensure Māori needs are met in the rapidly evolving screen sector, articularly with the advent of digital technology and its impacts in this arena.

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