April 02, 2014
Iwi Radio Awards finalists announced
The countdown has started for the 2014 Iwi Radio Awards on 12 April 2014 in Rotorua to celebrate the work of stations around the country with the release of the finalists.
Chair of Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori, Willie Jackson, said he was impressed that twelve stations had made the cut.
“The finalists for the awards are a great example of the diversity and strength of Iwi radio. These stations have led the way in terms of our Maori language renaissance but also play a vital role in Maori communities around the country,” said Mr Jackson.
Seventeen awards are up for grabs, including the new ‘Hon. Parekura Horomia Reo-ā-Iwi Award’ which recognises outstanding work by a station to promote reo-ā-iwi and the coveted Iwi Station of the Year Award.
Six stations are in the running for the Iwi Station of the Year Award including Maniapoto FM in Te Kuiti, Moana Radio in Tauranga, Radio Ngāti Porou in Ruatoria, Te Korimako in New Plymouth, Te Hiku o te Ika in Kaitaia and Mangere-based, Radio Waatea.
“Many of our stations have become the conduit of information for their community, whether it’s national or international news or local pānui. They’re also the connection for those of us who don’t live in our tribal regions back to the wā kāinga, to our reo, to our people."
Mr Jackson said he was proud of the efforts iwi radio make to promote reo Māori and engage our people.
“The Awards night is our chance to honour the great work our stations are doing. We are the poor relations of the Māori language broadcasting industry and stations are struggling to remain sustainable but the work we will celebrate on 12 April is a reflection of the commitment, kaha and wairua that is evident throughout our network. So congratulations to all our kaimahi and our iwi radio finalists,” he said.
Media are invited to attend. For inquiries contact:
Willie Jackson Erana Keelan-Reedy Wena Tait
027 435 6799 021 284 8382 027 733 6225
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