Pita Paraone MP
Spokesperson for Māori Affairs
16 FEBRUARY 2016

National Radio Failing to Deliver for Māori

New Zealand First is supporting calls for an inquiry into the level of dedicated Māori content being broadcast on state-funded radio.

A 12-week audit of National Radio between November 2015 and January 2016 undertaken by Radio Waatea has revealed only 0.1 per cent of broadcasting time was spent delivering Maori specific content.

“Our fear that Māori would lose a voice on National Radio following the cancellation of Radio New Zealand’s dedicated Māori news programme Te Manu Korihi in October last year has been realised,” says New Zealand First Māori Affairs Spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“Without exposure on the national broadcaster Māori issues are being side-lined in New Zealand broadcasting.

“National Radio receives $35 million annually in state funding and yet it is failing to be a platform for the voice of all New Zealanders.

“It is time for the Minister for Māori Development, Te Ururoa Flavell, to stand up on Māori issues and get an inquiry as called for by Maori Radio Network Te Whakaruruhau into this issue underway immediately,” says Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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