KEY POINTS:
Now is the time break away from "specialist Maori reporting" says New Zealand author Carol Archie at the launch of her new book in Auckland today.
Archie argues that Maori affairs reporting should be carried out by all reporters, not just those who are Maori or specialise in Maori issues.
Her new book, Pou Korero, is designed to act as a guide for journalists reporting Maori issues.
"Having a specialist Maori reporter is not helpful," says Archie. "It's not right. We don't have special Pakeha reporters."
Archie says that Maori are cut off from mainstream, especially since the launch of Maori Television.
"It's like being secluded," she says. "It's sending out the wrong message which is part of the problem."
Native Affairs host, Julian Wilcox, believes the mainstream media organisations need to "up-skill".
"They rely on the one person to do all the Maori reporting," says Mr Wilcox.
"They give it all to one person, to do it all, but they just can't do it."
Te Karere editor Moari Stafford does not see an issue with non-Maori reporting Maori issues as long as they understand Maori protocol.
"We're [Maori] aiming to share the load. To get Pakeha's to do it."
Although Archie believes Maori affairs reporting has improved in the mainstream, some issues still get bad coverage.
She called the foreshore and seabed media coverage "appalling" as well as Don Brash's Orewa speech.
TV One reporter John Stewart believes mainstream news does not go deep enough into Maori issues but doubts Maori media will ever go mainstream.
"There is enormous goodwill from the mainstream for all things Maori, but it lacks inquiring behind the superficial," says Stewart.
Archie believes the key to mainstream media understanding Maori issues is to see things from a Maori view.
The book was funded by the Mana Charitable Trust, Te Puni Kokiri and the Journalism Training Organisation.
It was launched today at the Auckland University of Technology marae.
