19 May 2008 Media Statement

Celebrating 500k hours of Maori language Broadcasting

“Broadcasting impacts significantly on individuals, communities, and the wider society. Tonight we will celebrate beaming and streaming 500,000 hours of Maori language through our airwaves and into living rooms up and down Aotearoa” Minister of Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia said today.

“This is a momentous event. 2007 and 2008 have been landmark years for celebrating Māori language broadcasting. Last year was the 20-year anniversary of the Māori Language Act. Waka Huia celebrated 20 years on screen.

“Also in 2007, Te Upoko o Te Ika celebrated 25 years on the airwaves and Radio Ngati Porou celebrated its 20th anniversary. This year, Te Karere reached its 25-year milestone and Marae sees in its 15th anniversary.”

“These achievements and milestones testify to the Māori language broadcasting industry and sector ‘coming of age’.”

“In the past, there was unease about the state of te reo Māori. However, three decades on, I sense an energy, enthusiasm and renewed sense of purpose about our language – a sense that is in no small way attributable to the advent and growth of iwi radio and Māori Television in this country.”

“This Labour-led Government has made huge gains and achieved great success in regards to Maori Broadcasting - there is still more to do. We need to look ahead, plan and future-proof the initiatives and developments we want for Māori language broadcasting.”

“This is a huge achievement. One that many people including the pioneers of iwi radio and Maori broadcasting made possible. I look forward to celebrating 1 million hours of Maori Broadcasting in the years to come”

ENDS

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