Maori Television

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 11, 24 November 1977, Page 2

Maori Television

by

Lauren Hunia

Much has been written about the ill effects which television can have on society, but it can also play a positive role. A petition has been launched which aims at television taking a positive role in' fostering a New Zealand cultural identity with which all New Zealanders will be proud to be associated.

For too long Anglo American cultural values have monopolised our television. “The Governor” has revealed a richness in this country too long untapped, but it is seen only as a first step towards establishing a New Zealand identity on television. Much more needs to be done.

Te Reo Maori Society have launched a petition calling for THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MAORI TELEVISION PRODUCION UNIT to ensure the production of programmes in Maori and in English on, or relating to aspects of Maori culture, art and society.

Radio New Zealand has already set the precedence by setting up and financing a Maori Programme Section which is responsible for recording Maori material for broadcast. There is some evidence to support the claim that the Maori News Service generates an audience, and is widely received by Maori listeners and an increasing audience of Pakeha listeners who are learning the Maori

language. But radio has to compete with television, and it tends to lose out to the latter.

It is envisaged that the Maori Television unit would gather, edit, research and produce programmes in Maori, in particular five minutes preceding the evening news. In this way the public i would have the opportunity of regularly hearing the Maori language every night. This would raise the status and mana of the language in the eyes of all New Zealanders and it would encourage Maori speakers to contribute to the New Zealand cultural identity. Maori parents with children at home would be encouraged to speak to their children at home in the Maori language, and those learning Maori at schools would have their learning reinforced. The stimulation from such programmes would lead to the development of the Maor lanuage to cope with modern ideas, and it would support the Maori .Affairs Amendment Act 1974 which called for “the preservation, encouragement and transmission of the Maori language, Maori customs and traditions, Maori Arts and handicrafts and other aspects of Maori culture eseential to the identity of the Maori race.”

Some Pakehas feel threatened by moves which aim at maintaining cultural values other than their own. They will argue we are one people. That is not denied, but we are a people from many different cultural backgrounds, and it is this very variety which gives New Zealand such a richness and uniqueness. The Maori television production unit is seen as a contribution of the largest minority to the total

New Zealand culture. To recognise and respect cultural differences is seen as a positive step towards truly creating a New Zealand multi-cultural society. The Broadcasting Act 1976 makes repeated reference to New Zealands identity and culture and this production unit will make such a thing possible.

Since 1975 Te Reo Maori has made submissions to the Director General of TVI. to the Broadcasting Council of New Zealand, the Ministers of Broadcasting and Maori Affairs towards setting up of a Maori Production Unit. In all cases the reply was, that there was not the demand for such a step. Te Reo Maori is a Wellington based group and their decision to launch a national petition is aimed at proving that there is a demand for “multi cultural television.” It is a well known factor in the advertising world of today that exposure generates its own market. It is important therefore that support be found for the petition, because if a Maori television product unit can be established, and programmes begin, a demand will grow from there.

The petition has been timed so that its presentation will coincide with election year.

A National Co-ordinating Committee for the petition has been set up consisting of the President of Te Reo Maori, Kamati Kruger, Chairman Rawin' Ran-

gitauira. Secretary Whaimutu Dewes. Hakopa Te Whata, Rangi Nicholson, Hamuera Mitchell, Cathy Dewes and Shirley Adams. But the impetus of the petition will depend very much on what is done in the different areas. Regional Distributors have been chosen to set up organisations on a regional basis for the collection of signatures. The Regional Distributor for their respective geographical areas are: Lauren Hunia — Auckland. Hemi Pou — North Auckland. Father Harwood — Hastings. Heitia Hiha — Napier Rei Bailey — Wanganui. Mike Rollings — Wairarapa Linda Ohia — Nelson. Kuini Wanoa — Palmerston North. Henry Kingi — Rotorua. Whatarangi Winiata — Horowhenua Yvonne McHallick — Dunedin. Bill Nepia — Christchurch. Tamati KRUGER — Whakatane. Hemi Potatau — Taumaranui. Koro Dewes — East Coast. Ted Douglas — Hamilton. Te Reo Maori — Wellington. Tai Amoamo — Opotiki. Steven O'Regan — South Island. An initial meeting to set up

a local group in the Auckland area for distribution of the petition will be held on Sunday 27 November at 2 p.m. at the home of Lauren Hunia, 9 Amy Street Ellerslie. All those interested are invited to attend. Anyone who would like to offer help in the

distribution of the petition, or financially should ring or write to Lauren phone 593-418 or write to 9 Amy Street. Ellerslie. Because of the distances involved in Auckland it is thought that smaller sub groups will be set up in diferent suburban areas.