Minister congratulates Māori Television on 10 years of service

In ten years Māori Television has developed into a quality broadcaster that reflects and responds to a wide range of communities throughout Aotearoa, said Minister of Māori Affairs Hon Dr Pita Sharples.

The Minister congratulated Māori Television on the tenth anniversary of its first broadcast.

Māori Affairs Minister Hon Dr Pita Sharples said “Māori Television was born from the understanding by reo Māori advocates that television was an essential tool for the retention and revitalisation of te reo Māori.”

“On Sunday 28 March 2004 when it opened with a karakia and dawn ceremony it was a tribute to those who had pushed for change over many decades.”
“Today’s milestone is well worth celebrating. I am proud of what Māori television has achieved in those ten years. New Zealand is a better place for the thoughtful, inspiring, and entertaining programmes the channels show,” said Dr Sharples.

“It has never been just a channel for Māori. Instead it has offered all New Zealanders a window into our World. Through music, sport, kapa haka, and cooking, we have shared our language, our perspective, our whanaungatanga and our sense of humour.”

“Māori Television is a true community broadcaster, and on behalf of the community it serves, I wish to thank all those who have worked hard to ensure it provides us with the quality we deserve,” Dr Sharples said.

ENDS

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