September 07, 2014
Alarm over Maori TV restructure
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is due to be briefed today on radical changes to Maori Television.
Chief executive Paora Maxwell last week warned staff not to speak to media about the changes.
Mana leader Hone Harawira says he’s alarmed by what he’s hearing about possible changes, including scrapping news programme Te Kaea in favour of buying in news from TVNZ, and turning Native Affairs into a soft magazine style show.
He says it raises serious concerns about political bias and political interference from the National Party and the Maori Party.
Former National MP Georgina Te Heuheu chairs the Maori Television board, which includes Maori Party deputy president Donna Gardiner.
Mr Harawira says as the new chief executive Mr Maxwell has the right to restructure, bit not without consultation with staff and stakeholders and not two weeks before an election.
He says the Minister of Maori Affairs should stop the process dead in its tracks.
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