Funding disagreement puts Maori TV shows 'on hold'

Chief executive of Maori Television, Paora Maxwel. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Maori Television has placed several shows "on hold" due to a disagreement with the funding agency Te Mangai Paho.

It was not immediately clear what issues were at stake, but it is believed the dispute harks back to July and producers have been waiting for it to be resolved since then.

TV programme makers -- whose shows have been put on hold -- were advised a memo from Maori TV this week and obtained by the Herald.

"Please be advised that the commissioning team at (Maori TV) have some concerns surrounding some of the amendments Te Mangai Paho has adopted in its latest Television Production Funding Agreement.

"Unfortunately, as of yesterday we are effectively putting productions commissioned and offered funding in the first TMP round on hold.

Maori TV told them "It's not a decision we've come to lightly as we fully appreciate the pressure this puts independent producers under.

"However, having provided broadcaster commitments to these productions on the basis of existing TMP contractual arrangements, we are unable to proceed until the areas of contention for the channel are resolved.

"Our CEO Paora Maxwell, is requesting a meeting with TMP's CEO, John Bishara, in the hopes to settle these issues. We will be in communication with you again as soon as possible.

Bishara and Maori TV had not immediately responded to queries about which shows were affected.

The disagreement comes amidst deep seated debate over the future of Maori broadcasting, if the Maori Party proposals for a restructuring go ahead under its "Te Matawai" policy.

One producer who is not immediately affected by the disagreement believed that the halt in the shows illustrated the current tensions in Maori broadcasting.