Twentieth-century broadcasting in Māori was provided by various New Zealand TV stations. Māori Television, a station funded by the New Zealand Government, started broadcasting on 28 March 2004, based in the inner-Auckland suburb of Newmarket.

Mission

To revitalise Maori language and culture through broadcasting.

Maori Television Service Act 2003

The relevant legislation, the Maori Television Service Act 2003 says "The principal function of the Service is to promote te reo Maori me nga tikanga Maori through the provision of a high quality, cost-effective Maori television service, in both Maori and English, that informs, educates, and entertains a broad viewing audience, and, in doing so, enriches New Zealand's society, culture, and heritage".

The Act defines the responsibilities of these groups:

• Government
• Te Putahi Paoho (Maori Electoral College)

Programming

• Korero mai: soap opera teaching Maori language every day at 7pm (with a repeat at 10:30 or 11)
• Te Kaea: Ngarimu Daniels and Julian Wilcox host 20-30 minutes of news (including sport) and weather every evening at 7:30pm (repeated at 11 or 11.30)
• Te Heteri: current affairs
• Mana tangata: profiles of well-known Maori people
• Maorioke: vocal talent quest
• He Raranga Korero - repeating and enhancing relevant documentaries from the past 30 years
• Marae DIY: renovating meeting houses
• Kai time on the road: cop and chef seek traditional recipes
• Cyberworld: Maori perspective on technology and internet
• Maori classics: Prince Tui Teka and Billy T James
• Feature films (some being repeated):
  • Mauri
  • Never Say Die
  • Ngati
  • Ruby and Rata
  • Utu
  • The Quiet Earth
• ShortEnz: a compilation of New Zealand short films made between 1970 and 2002
• and many hours of programming for children every week

People

• Acting Chief Executive: Ani Waaka

External links

Maori Television