May 19, 2016
Maori broadcasters challenge under-funding
Maori screen workers guild Nga Aho Whakaari wants to see more money in next week’s budget for Maori broadcasting.
Chair Whetu Fala says last year funding for the sector through Te Mangai Paho dropped 10 percent, after eight years of static funding.
She says the costs of that are borne by screen workers and their families.
A study last year by the guild found Maori screen professionals were working long hours and being under-paid as they tried to maintain output with fewer resources,.
Ms Fala says the cost of promoting Maori language and culture on screen shouldn’t be borne just by those with a commitment to it, and there’s a treaty obligation on the state.
"Maori broadcasting is a taonga for every child that is born in this country. Maori broadcasting belongs to every family of New Zealand. We don't want to see that under threat and we want to see every child in Aotearoa New Zealand, all New Zealanders, benefit from hearing Maori language and Maori culture on our screens," she says.
Whetu Fala says New Zealand on Air is reviewing its Te Rautaki Maori strategy this year, and that’s a chance to look at whether it’s meeting its obligations to Maori.
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