Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson says a $40 million investment in the Māori media sector over the next two years will support the industry while it transitions to a new public media environment.
He says Māori media plays a vital role in normalising and revitalising te reo Māori and helps with the goal of having one million New Zealanders speak basic te reo Māori by 2040.
He also wants to encourage Māori media and mainstream public media to work more closely together.
Budget 2020 includes $8 million to develop a sector-wide workforce strategy and grow current initiatives.
There’s $12 million for iwi media collaboration in news and current affairs, such as initiatives currently running in Tainui and Ngāi Tahu, and $20 million to create innovative content that reflects Māori language, and culture, stories, and perspectives.
Mr Jackson says the funding will support Māori Television, iwi radio, and the independent production community while maintaining the role of the Māori broadcast funding agency Te Māngai Pāho.
