May 05, 2021
Chase for audience hurts kapa haka kaupapa – Shortland
Former Māori Television board member Te Waihoroi Shortland is disappointed TVNZ has snapped up the broadcast rights to Te Matatini.
TVNZ will broadcast next year's four-day national Māori performing arts competition on TV2 and its on-demand service, meaning Māori TV can no longer bill itself the "home of kapa haka".
Mr Shortland says having a broader potential audience doesn't always benefit Māori or true kapa fans.
"It's once again the tyranny of numbers. We think numbers is the thing that progresses our gain, that a wider reach is better than promoting Māori broadcasting per se. I'm a little bit disappointed we can't fund a way to support our own," he says.
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