31 March 2005
MAORI BROADCASTING EMBARKS ON NEW ERA
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori – the Maori Language Commission – is acknowledging the vital role of Maori broadcasting in the regeneration of reo Maori by dedicating new government funding to radio and television initiatives as part of a national Maori language information campaign.
Board member Hana O'Regan says the first anniversary of Maori Television is a milestone in the history of the Maori language and an opportune time to recognise the efforts of the Maori media in making reo Maori accessible to all New Zealanders – both fluent and non-speakers as well as second language learners.
The commission has launched a four-year information programme, ‘Korero Maori’, supported by the Government through Te Puni Kokiri.
The public campaign will support a total of seven projects by the end of 2005: a game show for Maori Television; a radio drama serial for native speakers; a bilingual ‘radio-sode’ (or short episodes) aimed at young people; an interactive website; a resource kit for new parents; phrase booklets; and a language event to promote Matariki, or Maori New Year.
More than 350,000 copies of the ‘Give It A Go – Korero Maori’ booklet were distributed free through 150 stores of a national supermarket chain in February as part of the new Maori language promotion. The popular phase booklets formed a part of Progressive Enterprises Limited’s ‘Celebrate New Zealand’ campaign and were available from Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown stores throughout the country.
Hana O'Regan says funding of $1 million per annum over the next four years for a Maori language information programme has been approved by Cabinet.
“Te Taura Whiri has a small budget compared to other similar agencies. Every year, we have to make tough choices about our priorities in order to balance our support for native speakers with those who want to learn reo Maori including all New Zealanders.
“That we now have funding to undertake specific projects – such as the quiz show for Maori Television and the funky new 'radio-sode' – is a sign of the positive commitment that the Government has made in its role to support the Maori language.”
Haami Piripi, the chief executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, says the support of the Maori broadcasting industry will be crucial to the long-term success of the ‘Korero Maori’ campaign. In the future, the commission intends to create opportunities for the Maori media to participate in the development of more television and radio programming.
‘Korero Maori’ began earlier this year with the ‘summer of Maori language’ and will be followed by Matariki in June, Maori Language Week from July 25 to 31, and the 2nd Maori Language Awards on September 14 – Maori Language Day. The focus will be refined each year with new resources produced to ensure the content is current and topical.
“This is only a small step but its real significance is in the direction it is heading,” says Haami Piripi. “Now it’s up to everyone to face the challenge to make a difference, work collaboratively and keep pace with any change that will help us help others speak and understand reo Maori.”
Mena he patai, whakapa atu ki a:
Te Kaiwhitiwhiti Korero
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori
media@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Tel: 04 4716 724