Birthday the first (and last?)
There are countless reasons why New Zealand would be poorer if National came into office in September. Let’s chalk up another one.
On Monday, Maori TV will celebrate its first birthday, as the Herald reports in an excellent feature this morning.
Two-thirds of a million Kiwis had watched Maori TV by the end of last year, but National would likely axe if they won at the end of the year. Reports the Herald:
The channel’s future under a National-led Government appears bleak. [Gerry] Brownlee says he has yet to see any figures suggesting MTS is meeting its aims. “It’s a lot of money for what it’s reaching. If they could show they are getting the reach they are supposed to be getting it would be a different story. But I can’t see them ever doing that.”
[…]
Brownlee may be missing the widescreen picture. MTS backers say it is not just about the language - the Maori channel generates pride in tikanga (Maori culture) and reveals Maori stories that would otherwise not be heard.It is a focal point for what some refer to as the Maori renaissance - a demonstration of “can do” optimism, which promises far-reaching benefits across society. And it is distinctively Maori - not afraid to take risks, to laugh at itself, to do things differently.
The Greens were the only party outside of the Government to support the establishment of Maori TV. Let’s hope it’ll have many more birthdays after Monday’s.
