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Media Release
8th May 2017
Paora Maxwell announces resignation from Māori Television
The Chief Executive of Māori Television Paora Maxwell has announced his resignation from the broadcaster. Maxwell said
it has been a tremendous privilege to have led Māori Television through a challenging era for the entire industry.
“This has been a difficult decision but changing family and business circumstances has led to the need to dedicate my
time to other commitments. I will always support the important kaupapa of Māori broadcasting and am proud of Māori
Television and its people who have worked very hard for the revitalisation of the Māori language,” says Mr. Maxwell.
Chair of the Board of Māori Television, Georgina te Heuheu acknowledged Mr Maxwell's resignation.
"On behalf of the board we thank Paora for his work and commitment to Māori Television and wish him all the very best in
his future endeavours. The Board will begin the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief later in
the year,” says Mrs te Heuheu.
Mr. Maxwell has spent three decades in broadcasting - in governance, senior management, executive producing and
directing roles. He has led Māori Television through the rapid and fundamental technological changes in the broadcasting
industry.
As Chief Executive Mr. Maxwell prioritised the development of multi-platform audience engagement including the
transition to High Definition. He introduced a number of crucial research initiatives to ensure stronger and informed
decisions were made across programming.
In 2016, Mr. Maxwell guided the launch of the successful Matariki Awards which honoured New Zealanders. He has also
managed the relocation to new office premises in East Tāmaki.
Mr. Maxwell said he takes pride in the ongoing initiatives for staff development which have taken place at Māori
Television during his leadership.
“I have confidence in the senior executive team and all the kaimahi. It has been a privilege to see the positive changes they have achieved for the kaupapa.”
Mr. Maxwell will remain with Māori Television as Chief Executive until the end of August 2017 and will remain with Māori
Television till the end of 2017 in a consultation role.
Ends
About Māori Television
Māori Television is New Zealand’s indigenous broadcaster, providing a wide range of local and international programmes
for audiences across the country and online. As a broadcaster, they are based on inclusivity – building a connection to
Māori culture for all New Zealanders. This is achieved through the delivery of unique locally made programmes, good
quality in-house programmes, free-to-air sport, intelligent and entertaining international programmes and coverage of
events of significance to all New Zealanders.