Whakaata Māori. Photo: Te Ao Māori News
Government ministers have confirmed job cuts at television station Whakaata Māori.
There were no specifics given on how many jobs, as all ministers said it was an operational decision.
In a statement, Whakaata Māori chief executive Shane Taurima said the cuts were a crucial step in addressing financial challenges the broadcaster was anticipating over the "coming years".
Whakaata Māori last annual report put the number of staff employed at 170.
"The proposal will enable us to continue sharing authentic Māori stories that revitalise te reo me ngā tikanga Māori across digital platforms, ensuring they thrive for future generations in Aotearoa and globally."
The proposals were part of "Phase Two" of the restructure plans, building on Phase One which saw Whakaata Māori's senior leadership almost halved, content production reprioritised and the station's Te Reo channel changed to an online-only platform by March 2025.
Whakaata Māori would be engaging with staff throughout the process and the broadcaster would not make any further comment, the statement read.
Last week, Taurima and Board of Directors chairperson Jamie Tuuta fronted the Māori Affairs Select Committee for the annual review of the 2022/2023 year.
He acknowledged the key challenge the service faced was the reduction in funding.
In July, it was reported the television service faced a $9.5 million funding decrease over the next three years. Tuuta told the select committee this was "in the order of $10.3m".
Taurima said after the meeting it was a cut of 25 percent, which would mean significant change in terms of what the service provides, but he was determined to future-proof the service as well.
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said he had not been given a comprehensive briefing on the job losses because it was an operational matter.
"I think the funding that was forecast under previous governments continues, and certainly Whakaata Māori is working very diligently and professionally to work within those parameters," Potaka said.
"I'm aware that Whakaata Māori, like many other media organisations, is trying to ensure very efficient and prudent fiscal management, and I suppose them to be fiscally responsible."
Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith avoided all questions, saying it was for Potaka to speak to.
"There are broader issues right across the media sector, and we're in constrained times, but that's a matter for Tama Potaka."
New Zealand First's Shane Jones put it down to everyone needing to "cut their cloth".
"All of the media are facing challenges, I have had [Whakaata Māori chief executive] Shane Taurima come see me, and I know there's an ongoing struggle throughout the media, but I'd struggle to see how we can single out just Māori TV."
Labour's Māori development spokesperson Willie Jackson said the job losses were another attack on the Māori language.
"It's constant. Weekly attacks; whether it's Māori language, whether it's the Tribunal, whether it's any kaupapa Māori. It's a weekly and constant attack.
"Te ao Māori are sick of it. You hear the different iwi who are taking the government to court. It's never ending."
Jackson said his party had put a lot of funding, resourcing and time into Māori broadcasting and the coalition government should do the same.
"It's sad. Whakaata Māori contributes so well to the media landscape, works in tandem with some of the other media outlets. I think New Zealand loses as a whole."
More to come...
