Te Māngai Pāho CE moves from Broadcasting to Forestry

29 July 2016

Te Māngai Pāho CE moves from Broadcasting to Forestry

John Bishara, Chief Executive of Te Māngai Pāho, is stepping down from his post at the Māori broadcasting funding agency after nearly twelve years in the role. In September Mr Bishara will return to Turangi where he will lead the Lake Taupō Forest Trust.

Te Māngai Pāho Chairman, Piri Sciascia, said that John has done an outstanding job and had been at the helm of the agency over a time of immense change and growth.

“John has led the agency through the establishment of Māori Television and the move over recent years into new media and technology platforms. Funding for new media has gone from zero four years ago to $2 million this year. It has taken leadership and vision to make this happen whilst retaining total accountability and transparency for funding.

John has built a strong and capable team that along with the Māori broadcasting sector has delivered for audiences increased Māori language content year on year. John has never been one to rest on his laurels and as recently as last week we announced increased content on iwi radio for the year ahead, from 8 hours a day to 10.5 hours a day.

In a continually evolving landscape, particularly with the enactment of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016 (the Māori Language Act 2016) and in an increasingly digital environment, John has worked hard to ensure that the agency remains relevant and continues to play an important role in revitalising te reo Māori and he has succeeded.

Nielsen’s research from 2015 shows that a positive attitude to Māori language and culture continues to flourish in New Zealand and the work that John has led at Te Māngai Pāho has been an important part of that.

John leaves the agency in excellent shape and can be hugely proud of what has been achieved in the sector under his leadership,” Mr Sciascia said.

Mr Bishara’s new role as Chief Executive of the Lake Taupō Forest Trust takes him back to his roots. Both to his rohe (region) and iwi, Tūwharetoa, and also to the forestry sector. Mr Bishara began his working life as a forestry labourer/cadet and returns forty years later to manage the iwi’s forestry interests. Mr Bishara is also Chair of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Tongariro – Taupō Conservation Board.

Planning for a recruitment process for a new chief executive is underway.

ENDS

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