Independent Maori Group Supports bid for World Cup

PRESS RELEASE

6 OCTOBER 2009

Independent Maori Film and Television Group supports Maori Television’s bid for the Rugby World Cup.

“The bid by Maori Television for the broadcast rights of the 2011 Rugby World Cup is

a statement of Maori Television’s right to be an equal player in an industry that appears happy to confine them to some sort of broadcasting wilderness ,” says Nga Aho Whakaari Executive Director, Pita Turei.

“Maori Television Chief Executive Jim Mather and his board of Directors have every right to compete with the more established networks. Those others put their bids in, they failed. What’s their problem?”

Mr Turei says those who question Maori Television’s ability to deliver high quality coverage of the world cup are grasping at misbegotten straws because they’re seeing an opportunity quickly disappearing down the gurgler.

“Maori Television is an award winning organization that in a very brief time has become a network that reflects the political and philosophical landscape of all New Zealand.

“That Te Puni Kokiri saw fit to support the bid is an indication they’re doing their jobs, we should be celebrating that.

“New Zealanders should be reveling in the fact that their hopes and dreams for equality are now coming into play - that a Maori organization is confident enough, strong enough and able enough to take a position on a world stage. Surely that’s what this entire country has been waiting for?”

Nga Aho Whakaari represents Maori working in film and television.

ENDS

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