Maori programming ‘not window-dressing’

Press, 21 February 1987, Page 18

Maori programming ‘not window-dressing’

Claims that Television New Zealand’s commitment to Maori programming was "window-dress-ing” have been strongly disputed by Television New Zealand’s Head of Maori Programmes, Mr Ernie Leonard. “This year Maori programming on television will increase by more than 100 per cent,” Mr Leonard said. “Six months ago, we had two staff members in the Maori Programmes department. This week, we have 23 staff in our department, and there are nine more working on the news in Maori — ‘Te Karere’.” Mr Leonard said that a TVNZ-backed training course had given tele-

vision skillis y tor seven young Maori reporters, now employed in the department and on !i X“Te Karere ” "They are among the dedicated group working on the greatly increased range of programmes including television’s first prime-time bilingual programme ‘Nga Take Maori,’ and a daily 10minute programme, ‘Kohanga Reo,’ as well as ‘Koha’ and ‘Te Karere;” Mr Leonard said. “Tagata Pasifika," a half-hour programme for Pacific Island viewers will screen from April and a further programme in the Maori language, ‘Waka Huia,” will screen for one hour every Sunday at 11 a.m. on Two, beginning in

April." } Mr Leonard sald that the involvement M Maori presenters In other TVNZ programmes was also evidence of TVNZ’s increased commitment. ' The former “Kolia” presenter, Robin Kora, won the 1 pihm newsreader’s role in the “Eyewitness” progranyne at the beginning of the 1987. season, and Natalie Brunt has been appointed co-host of the Auckland regional programme, “Top Half.” I “Any suggestion that this kind of commitment is less than wholehearted is both untrue and an unfair slight on the commitment of all of these talented contributors,” Mr Leonard said.