31 March 2016
John Tamihere appointed to Māori Television Board
Urban Māori advocate and former Cabinet Minister Hon John Tamihere has been appointed to the Board of Māori Television.
The appointment of Mr Tamihere (Ngāti Porou, Whakatohea and Tainui) by Te Pūtahi Paoho, the Electoral College that
represents Māori stakeholder interests in the governance of Māori Television, is for a three year period with potential
to renew at the end of the term.
Māori Television Board Chair, Hon Georgina te Heuheu has welcomed the appointment of Mr Tamihere. “John is a highly
capable and talented individual. He brings an impressive array of skills including in law, business and the public
sector. As a former broadcaster he is very attuned to the current challenges facing the industry," she says.
“Mr Tamihere also brings lifelong passion for Māori economic and social wellbeing and I have no doubt his presence at
the board table will add significant value to discussions.”
Mr Tamihere replaces Rikirangi Gage who joined the Board in 2010. Acknowledging Mr Gage's tenure, Mrs te Heuheu says,
"Rikirangi’s profound knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori me ngā tikanga, together with an outlook focused on
the demands of modern business have served the Board well."
Mrs te Heuheu says the next three years will be particularly important as Māori Television embeds its multiplatform and
audience growth strategies. “Māori Television has a key role to play in promoting and protecting te reo Māori and this
is best achieved through the transmission of entertaining and engaging content delivered across multiple platforms.”
ends