TVNZ Appoints Kaihautu

TVNZ Appoints Kaihautu

TVNZ's Chief Executive Officer, Ian Fraser is pleased to announce the appointment of Hone Edwards to the new position of Kaihautu for TVNZ effective 22 September 2003.

Traditionally, a Kaihautu is the person in the waka who calls the paddlers to order, steering the vessel in the right direction. Within TVNZ's business environment, the Kaihautu will work both internally and externally to integrate Maori awareness and issues with TVNZ's business objectives.

"This is an important appointment for TVNZ," said Mr Fraser. "The Kaihautu will sit at the Company's top management table with the other 10 Heads of Department and will report directly to me. That is a public statement of TVNZ's belief in the position and Hone will find that he is supported in his task right to the top.

"The job description is a challenging one. Hone will lead the charge in ensuring that TVNZ fulfils its specific Charter commitment 'to ensure in its programmes and programme planning the participation of Maori and the presence of a significant Maori voice'.

"He will, therefore, have a strong influence on the development of our content strategy. His networks both within the Maori community at many levels and within the television production industry will ensure that TVNZ becomes more open and responsive to Maori and Maori interests and concerns. We acknowledge we have work to do there."

Mr Edwards has held a number of positions in Maori television broadcasting with TVNZ and in the independent production community over the past 19 years as a producer, director, reporter and editor and is currently Head Commissioner of Programming for the Maori Television Service. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Maori and Linguistics and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism.

"Hone is lucky to be working alongside a wise and respected head in Whai Ngata, TVNZ's General Manager Maori Programmes, and a strong in-house Maori and Pacific programme production team. That team, I know, will also support him and enhance his effectiveness," continued Mr Fraser.

"I've known Hone for many years, both inside TVNZ and outside. I believe that his passion for television and his experience on both sides of the camera, underpinned by his deep roots within the Maori world, fit him perfectly for the position of TVNZ's first Kaihautu.

"I am greatly looking forward to welcoming him on board."

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