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TVNZ is trebling its Maori programming as part of a series of changes the broadcaster says will bring Maori content in from the cold.
As part of a new Maori strategy - a first for the public broadcaster - TV One and TV2 will increase Maori programming hours from 167 to 300, while new digital formats TVNZ 6 and TVNZ 7 would show 190 hours.
The plan also includes the creation of a new Maori commissioner, but still has to be accepted by funding agencies Te Mangai Paho and New Zealand on Air.
TVNZ is also considering a broader range of programmes, including reality television and drama genres to add to the current news-heavy Waka Huia, Marae and Te Karere line-up. The new programmes would cost $11 million to produce.
And while the broadcaster has been criticised in the past for sidelining Maori content to less popular hours, the Herald understands two of the new programmes are scheduled for primetime.
General manager Maori programming Whai Ngata said the moves were not in response to the spat TVNZ's chief executive Rick Ellis caused in May when he said Police Ten 7 was helping the broadcaster to meet its charter obligations to Maori. Work had already started on the strategy before those comments, he said.
A 23-year industry veteran, Mr Ngata said for years his department focused year-to-year on just getting enough funding for programming, but the strategy changed the picture.
"We don't have to do it as a stand-alone department in the cold - we're inside the tent now.
"We have been on our own more or less. Its great to be part of the wider TVNZ [organisation]. It's [the strategy] a huge mind-shift and one that we welcome with open arms."
Head of Television Jeff Latch said TVNZ had to increase its commitment to Maori programmes.
"This change signals a mainstreaming of Maori programmes into every day commissioning at TVNZ."
