1 April 2005
Media Statement
Te Mângai Paho
Maintaining Iwi Radio Network Vital
Chair of Te Mângai Paho, Wira Gardiner, said today that maintaining the iwi radio stations network was a vital part of
the Mâori language strategy and provided a number of economic and Mâori development opportunities that warranted
continued government funding support.
“NZPA’s 31 March report has created the false impression that I am an advocate for a single national radio station to
promote Mâori language. I am not. I believe that the iwi radio network is an excellent resource for Maori and New
Zealand and that it should be retained.
“I also consider that iwi radio requires additional resources and that if further funding was not made available to Te
Mângai Paho for this purpose then politicians would need to decide on how best to deliver its Mâori radio broadcasting
outcomes from existing resources.
“I remain optimistic that iwi radio will receive the additional financial support they require to continue delivering on
its broadcasting outcomes,” said Mr Gardiner.
Ends