By Kelvin McDonald of Whakaata Māori
There has been a "boom" in waiata reo Māori on commercial radio in the past year, according to music and radio industry representatives.
Paul Kennedy, from Radioscope/Recorded Music NZ, which manages all airplay data, says in 2021 there was an "unprecedented increase" in waiata reo Māori on commercial radio.
"It's really pleasing to see the growth in these figures as radio stations push more and more local music out to their audiences," Kennedy said in an NZ on Air statement on Saturday.
"It's particularly welcome to see how waiata reo Māori has boomed on mainstream radio in the last year, going from a small niche in the data to regular and substantial play during peak times on some of the biggest radio networks."