Maori Musicians Disgruntled - More Support Needed!!
Maori musicians are dissatisfied with the lack of designated support for Maori medium music by mainstream radio and
music commentators.
Tihi Puanaki - Maori music advocate, Reo and Kaupapa Maori (Language and Traditions) activist states “its invisibility
creates a perception of this whole genre lacking in status”.
She emphasizes. “There is fantastic work being produced by Maori musicians that is not receiving the support it should
be.
Maori have to work and fight extra hard for their music to be heard and to be acknowledged in their own land!”
She believes there should be a Reo Maori quota that all commercial radio stations need to play not just Iwi radio who do
great work around the country supporting Maori music and musicians but ALL commercial radio.
In the whole thrust for New Zealand music, Maori music is at the bottom of the heap. This needs to change if we are to
be truly equal.
She reiterates – “ Maori Language is the official language of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Maori language is the language of
the Tangata Whenua(‘People of the land’) of Aotearoa. The Maori language is still at risk of being lost”.
Maori medium music is a vital vehicle in supporting the survival of the Maori language; therefore she strongly believes
Maori music needs to receive more support such as compulsory airplay.
Tihi adds that there is fantastic material being produced by Maori musicians that the general population are missing out
on by not being exposed to it.
Finally, she acknowledges that music month is great in that it gives people an opportunity to focus on many of these
issues.
RALLY FOR MAORI MUSIC
SATURDAY 10 MAY 2008
CHRISTCHURCH SQUARE, 1- 2.30PM
ENDS