11 November 2003
Te Mängai Päho
Media Statement
MÄORI RADIO GOES GLOBAL
Te Mängai Päho Chairman Wira Gardiner launched a new “web casting” service today allowing increased access to Mäori
radio for all, including those overseas.
Mr Gardiner said the service epitomised the innovation and passion of Te Mängai Päho and the Mäori radio industry group,
Te Whakaruruhau O Nga Reo Irirangi for Mäori radio development.
The service was developed for iwi radio stations through the already established Punga Net. It helps address concerns
raised by some listeners that they could not receive their own tribal stations locally due to broadcasting signal
strength in some regions, and limited coverage generally.
Mr Gardiner said that the service would significantly assist in alleviating the access issue and also ensured that Mäori
radio is available globally.
“Mäori living outside of their rohe will now be able to find their own iwi stations on the net and those living abroad
will be able to access indigenous Aotearoa programming.
“This is fantastic news, particularly as the numbers of Mäori living outside their rohe, and in indeed outside of New
Zealand, are growing,” said Mr Gardiner.
Mr Gardiner said he was excited at the prospects enhanced access to Mäori radio offered.
“We know from the Mäori radio research conducted earlier this year that Mäori radio contributes to Mäori language
revitalisation. It provides a vital vehicle for te reo promotion and enhanced access will certainly be well received,”
he said.
Mr Gardiner thanked Te Mängai Päho staff and Te Whakaruruhau for their hard work in getting the service up and running.
ENDS