March 27, 2026

#national: Concerns mount over axing of national te reo Māori radio news service

Dale Husband Posted On March 27, 2026

Dale Husband #national: Concerns mount over axing of national te reo Māori radio news service

The decision to cut the national te reo Māori radio news service has sparked strong concern within Māori broadcasting, with Radio Waatea General Manager Matthew Tukaki warning of serious consequences for communities across Aotearoa.

Tukaki says the removal of the service will leave a significant gap in trusted, accessible information for Māori listeners who rely on radio as a primary source of news in te reo Māori. For many iwi and rural communities, the service has played a critical role in keeping people informed on national issues, local developments and matters directly affecting Māori.

He believes the decision reflects a deeper misunderstanding of the purpose and value of Māori radio. Rather than being treated as an essential public service, Tukaki says it appears to have been viewed through a narrow funding lens that fails to recognise its cultural, linguistic and community importance. The national news service has been a key platform for normalising te reo Māori in everyday life while also ensuring Māori perspectives are consistently represented.

There are also growing concerns about the implications during times of crisis. Tukaki warns that radio remains one of the most reliable forms of communication when emergencies strike, particularly in areas where internet and mobile coverage can be limited or disrupted. Without a coordinated national Māori news service, there are fears that vital information may not reach vulnerable communities in a timely or culturally appropriate way.

The situation is further complicated by the absence of any replacement service, despite offers from within the sector to maintain continuity. Tukaki says the lack of a transition plan risks undermining decades of progress in Māori broadcasting and language revitalisation.

Looking ahead, he is urging Māori radio networks, iwi and supporters to work together to protect the future of the sector. That includes advocating for sustainable funding, reinforcing the role of Māori media as an essential service, and ensuring decision-makers understand the real-world impact these cuts will have on whānau and communities.

The move has reignited debate about the place of Māori broadcasting in Aotearoa’s media landscape, with many calling for stronger recognition of its role in supporting te reo Māori, strengthening community connection, and safeguarding access to information.