A new chapter in Indigenous journalism has begun.
Radio Waatea and First Nations News Australia are proud to announce a new editorial partnership that will bring the stories of Māori and First Nations peoples to wider audiences on both sides of the Tasman.
The partnership will see both independent Indigenous news organisations share selected content, ensuring stories from Aotearoa are seen by Australian readers while important First Nations news from Australia reaches audiences across New Zealand. Every article will remain fully attributed to its original publisher, with links back to the source and cultural protocols respected throughout.
“This partnership represents knowledge sharing, content exchange and the valuable connection between Indigenous peoples” said Waatea Editor-in-Chief, Matthew Tukaki.
Based on Whadjuk Noongar boodja in Perth, First Nations News is an up-and-coming outlet, majority Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-controlled digital newsroom, having published more than 2,000 original stories on First Nations and Indigenous affairs since its launch. It is also a member newsroom of Australia’s Local and Independent News Association (LINA).
For Radio Waatea, the partnership represents another important step in building a stronger international Indigenous media network—connecting Indigenous voices, experiences and perspectives across borders while ensuring those stories continue to be told by Indigenous journalists.
As Indigenous communities face many of the same challenges and opportunities—from language revitalisation and constitutional recognition to health, education, economic development and climate resilience—this collaboration will create greater opportunities to learn from one another and amplify Indigenous perspectives on issues of global importance.
The agreement is non-exclusive, collaborative in nature and founded on mutual respect, editorial independence and a shared commitment to culturally safe reporting.
Together, Radio Waatea and First Nations News are demonstrating that Indigenous media is strongest when it works together—sharing stories, strengthening voices and ensuring Indigenous communities continue to tell their own stories, in their own way, to the world.
