Maori TV unit plan criticised, scorned

Press, 31 August 1985, Page 7

Maori TV unit plan criticised, scorned

PA Wellington A Maori programme unit will be established within Television New Zealand, it has been announced, but the proposal immediately ran into flak. Details of the new unit were outlined by Mr Allan Martin, director of TVNZ. The criticism came from Maori broadcasters. Mr Martin said that the Maori unit would be based in Auckland and would function within the general and special interest programme department. The Broadcasting Corporation board approved a proposal to establish formally a Maori programme unit aimed at three different audiences.

“The groups are those Maoris not fluent users of the Maori language. Maoris

and non-Maoris interested in Maoritanga including the language, and people who are fluent users of Maori.” he said.

The proposal to establish the unit had been under discussion for some time. Mr Colin Hindson. public relations executive of TVNZ. told NZPA.

Earlier this year, a committee was set up within TVNZ to review its Maori programme policy. The corporation's board agreed on Wednesday to the committee's proposal for the unit. Applications for the position of head of the unit would be called soon. The unit was not con-

nected with the proposed third channel in any way. Mr Hindson said.

But some Maori broadcasters scorned the proposal. The Maori Broadcasters' Association chairman. Mr Derek Fox. des-

cribed the proposal as a low-value. no-mana ar- • rangement for the Maori. He said his association was not consulted about it. which was an indication of

the way TVNZ regarded the Maori. As a unit within the special interests department. it would still be run by pakehas. he said. “So big brother still knows best. It is of no value, a cheap sham." he said. “We are not interested in middle-class pakehas telling us what is good for us."