Maori TV financing faces cut

TVNZ looks set to have a $15 million contract to promote the Maori language slashed after a row with the Government funding agency Te Mangai Paho.

The Weekend Herald understands that TMP, a Crown agency which funds Maori language television programmes, is set to cut funding to TVNZ in a dispute over how the state broadcaster uses its money.

The two groups are in negotiations over the three-year contract worth $5 million annually for three programmes - TV One Maori news programmes Te Karere, which runs at 4.45pm weekdays and is repeated with subtitles at 6.10am the following morning, and current affairs show Marae, which runs at 10am, and documentary- focused Waka Huia, which screens at 11am Sunday.

The contract expires in December.

It is understood TMP has called for greater accountability for funding, including better timeslots for programmes, and details of career development offered to the channel's Maori staff.

A TVNZ source said requests for accountability for funding met defiance from TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis, who baulked at TMP requests.

The source said funding looked set to be slashed by almost half because of inflexibility shown by Mr Ellis.

Mr Ellis did not return calls.

However, another TVNZ source accused TMP of editorial interference, with "a couple of members of its board and staff overstepping the brief" in the demands made of the broadcaster.

The TMP board is made up of acting chairwoman Jacqui Te Kani, Te Ripowai Higgins, Tahu Potiki, Parekawhia McLean and Herewini Te Koha.

The organisation distributes $40 millionyearly, with $16 million paid directly to the Maori television service.

TMP chief executive John Bishara said he was reluctant to detail negotiations as they were continuing.

He confirmed, however, that part of the negotiation involved ensuring TMP was receiving the best value for its money.

This included a review of the time placement and quality of TVNZ's Maori programmes.

"The negotiations are an opportunity to go through an assessment of programmes and accountability."

Mr Bishara said he was confident negotiations would be concluded by next month.

National Maori affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee said a review was needed on Government funding of broadcasting.

He also questioned the value for money TMP was receiving from TVNZ.