Māori Television is moving to a new headquarters in the south Auckland suburb of East Tāmaki, after 12 years at its current home in Newmarket.
Māori Television's new headquarters in East Tāmaki. Photo: Supplied
It said its current location had cost it nearly $20 million in rent over the past 12 years.
It has been based in Newmarket since its first broadcast in 2004, but the lease for the building expired next year and would not be renewed.
Māori Television announced it would stay in Auckland last year, after considering several proposals from interested parties in Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland.
The company planned to begin transmission of its news and current affairs shows from the East Tāmaki site from about next June.
The current Māori Television building in Newmarket, Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Board chair Georgina te Heuheu said a long-term lease of the site would enable it to have a high degree of operating certainty.
She also said the decision-making criteria took into account the financial cost; ability to build or convert existing space for a studio; ability to retain and attract key talent; access to public transport and arterial routes; and proximity to Māori communities and facilities such as kōhanga reo, kura and marae.
"There were many dynamics to consider, such as ensuring that the new premises are fit for operational purposes and deliver overall value for money.
"We believe this decision best supports Māori Television to realise its vision of revitalising te reo Māori me ngā tikanga Māori.
"Above all, we are committed to ensuring there is a smooth transition to the new premises for our staff." said Ms te Heuheu.
