Mäori Radio Goes Global

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

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