25 JUNE 2015

Maori Party Puts Future of Maori TV in Jeopardy

It is clear from parliamentary questions over the last two weeks, and information emerging from Maori TV sources, that the very future of Maori TV is now in jeopardy, says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“With senior staff resignations, some seeking legal advice, and serious reorganisation of programming without adequate explanation, Maori TV is in turmoil.

“Political interference, and political nepotism are a threat to any media organisation and particularly this organisation.

“Serious journalists resent being told that they should not have attacked Kohanga Reo, Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust and Whanau Ora, being just some examples.

“Journalists are being told to concentrate on good news stories and ignore those that paint the efforts of the government with Maori in a bad light.

“It is clear that the new CEO, whose appointment was widely challenged at the time, is presiding over a disjunctive, dispirited operation.

“All suspicions point to the Minister of Maori Development’s office, and the email record of interference is irrefutable.

“The Queen’s Birthday Whanau Ora debate was canned because ‘panels are not popular’ and yet next Monday night a panel discussion is occurring on Maori TV. There is no consistency and the explanations from Minister Te Ururoa Flavell don’t stand to scrutiny.

“Interference of this type is a breach of Section 10 (1) of the Maori Television Services Act. These breaches mean that the integrity of Maori TV is now in question and the particular purpose for which the service exists has been seriously diluted.”

ENDS

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