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March 27, 2026
#national: Ngarewa-Packer warns Māori radio cuts risk Treaty breach and loss of vital voice
Dale Husband
Posted On March 27, 2026
Download AudioConcerns are intensifying across the Māori media sector as proposed funding cuts and the removal of national Māori radio news services raise fears about the future of iwi broadcasting.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is among those sounding the alarm, warning the decisions could undermine decades of work to build a strong Māori media presence and may amount to a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
The proposed reductions to Māori broadcasting funding come amid wider concerns about the sustainability of iwi radio, with earlier warnings that cuts of up to a quarter of the sector’s budget would have significant impacts on staffing, services and content.
Ngarewa-Packer says the loss of national news services and reduced investment threatens the ability of iwi stations to provide consistent, culturally grounded information to their communities. Many stations already operate with limited resources, and further cuts risk weakening their reach at a time when access to trusted Māori-led media is seen as critical.
The issue has reignited debate about the Crown’s responsibility to actively protect te reo Māori as a taonga. Māori broadcasting has long been recognised as a key mechanism for language revitalisation, ensuring te reo is heard and used in everyday contexts. The iwi radio network, established through sustained advocacy and legal challenges, was built on the principle that Māori should have control over their own narratives and communication platforms.
Ngarewa-Packer argues that reducing support for this system runs counter to those commitments. She says the decisions risk silencing Māori voices and limiting access to information, particularly for whānau in rural and regional areas who rely heavily on radio as a primary source of news.
The concern is not only about media, but about the broader impact on democratic participation and cultural identity. Without strong Māori broadcasting, there are fears that Māori perspectives will be further marginalised in national conversations, especially during key political periods.
The current situation also highlights the long history behind iwi radio. The network emerged from the Māori language revival movement and was secured through the landmark WAI11 claim, which established te reo Māori as a taonga requiring active protection. Over decades, iwi stations have become more than just broadcasters – they are hubs for language, culture and community connection.
Ngarewa-Packer says it is important for the public and decision-makers to recognise what is at stake. The progress made in Māori broadcasting has been hard-won, and once lost, may be difficult to rebuild.
As pressure grows, calls are mounting for the Government to reconsider the cuts and reaffirm its commitment to Māori media, with many across the sector warning that the future of iwi radio – and the strength of te reo Māori – hangs in the balance.
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