Maori Television Funding Increase Welcomed

PUBLICITY RELEASE
THURSDAY MAY 17 2007

Maori Television Funding Increase Welcomed

The provision of increased funding in today’s Budget announcement will ensure that Maori Television can effectively participate in the digital television era as well as enhance its current programming schedule to provide more original New Zealand content.

Today’s announcement of an additional $23.1 million over four years is welcome news for Maori Television, which has received the following level of direct funding* since its inception in 2003:

 Direct operational funding from Vote Maori Affairs $11.5 m (ex GST)
 Direct programming funding from Te Mangai Paho $16.1 m (ex GST)

*Annual funding of approximately $19.0 million is also available to production companies by funding agency Te Mangai Paho to produce programmes that may be broadcast on Maori Television. This is not funding that is provided directly to Maori Television and is contestable by all broadcasters.

Maori Television Chief Executive Jim Mather said Maori Television would commit the increased funding to implementation of its digital strategy and to building on the success to date of the channel’s schedule and programming.

“Significant technology changes are at hand for the New Zealand television industry and we are likely to see a proliferation of television channels as well as the emergence of new media platforms by the end of this decade. If Maori Television is to continue to achieve our statutory and strategic objectives we need to be technology ready,” said Mr Mather.

Another important impact of the new funding was the organisation’s ability to now counter the effects of four years of inflation on its cost structure. Maori Television has not had any increase in its funding since 2003 and the increased funding will allow it to maintain its high level of performance.

“Given the high level of change in the industry and susceptibility to programmes becoming marginalised as well as increased competition for audience, continuing to operate as we are currently is not a viable option. This new funding will ensure that we are able to effectively deliver to our obligations as a Maori language television broadcaster in the digital era and beyond,” he said.

The funding would also allow for increased local programming.

“Maori Television has filled a niche for New Zealanders who want to see authentic New Zealand programming on their television screens. At the same time we have been able to encourage New Zealanders to increase their Maori language vocabulary and to view te reo Maori as a normal part of our society,” said Mr Mather.

“We believe that our inclusive approach to promoting te reo and tikanga Maori is a successful formula and we will commit a portion of this new funding to developing more programmes and broadcasting more hours.”

Mr Mather acknowledged the support of the Crown’s responsible ministers, the Hon Parekura Horomia and Hon Dr Michael Cullen, in enabling the ongoing development and success of Maori Television.

Ends

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