Maori Party Asks Why is the Maori News the first to be hit?

Hone Harawira, Broadcasting Spokesperson for the Maori Party

Wednesday 22 November 2006

Hone Harawira, Broadcasting Spokesperson for the Maori Party, today spoke out about the impact of the deteriorating relationship between the unions and TVNZ, in the resulting action designed to hurt predominantly Maori viewers.

“Yesterday when I tuned in to Te Karere at 4.45pm, it wasn't on” said Mr Harawira, "and when I checked I found that strike action had led to TVNZ cancelling Te Karere, for what may be the first time since Te Karere first went to air in 1983."

“Sure, progress for Te Karere hasn't been anything to brag about - a 30 second increase every year - but it's one of the only links we get into the Maori world, from the nation's broadcaster,” said Mr Harawira.

“I know unions have a right to industrial action, but I was pissed off when I found that TVNZ chose to cut the Maori news”.

“Mind you – it was no surprise given the poor performance of TVNZ with regard to Maori programming (crack of dawn and late night slots, or weekend mornings when families often have sport responsibilities)”.

"It just confirms the view many Maori have of TV One's commitment to Maori programming - zilch."

ENDS

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