KEY POINTS:
The head of TVNZ has received a roasting from Maori MPs after he cited Shortland Street and Police Ten-7 as examples of what the state broadcaster was doing to meet its charter obligations to Maori.
TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis made the comments during an appearance before the Maori Affairs select committee at Parliament yesterday.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Becks (ChCh)
Personally, I think there are better things to worry about than television and some charter! Some of the comments on here, from both non-Maori and Maori, are insanely stupid and verging on racist. Some people have trouble accepting Maori culture, while others seem to think that non-Maori are trying to shut Maori out etc etc etc. It's time a lot of people grew up and gained some perspective and looked outside their own views. Like I said, there are more important things to worry about anyway.
DJ
As a kiwi who is part Maori and part Scottish, I'm not surprised by TV chief's comments and don't really care about them. What is important is that TVNZ was given millions in taxpayer money for a specific purpose and then failed to use it as agreed. This is close to fraud or misappropriation of funds surely. I agree with some of the other comments that we should have the opportunity to watch/learn other language/programmes on TV, not just Maori and English. As for Willy Jackson, I can't see why he is even allowed on TV, or why anyone would want to watch him, but that's just my opinion. More important changes could be made to TVNZ...Less rubbish like Coro Street and Emmerdale would also be a good change. The British programmes on UKTV are heaps better. The main thing TVNZ (and TV3) could change is to have more news and less ads during the news hour (or should I say the ad hour?).
Nikora
Georgina te Heuheu and Pita Sharples have said that programmes such as Police Ten-7 portray 'negative stereotypes of Maori as 'underachievers and criminals.'
Get with the facts you two! Maori are 'over-represented' in the 'under-achievers and criminal stakes! Stop bleating about the so-called injustices and use your privileged positions to do something pro-active and positive to help prevent this 'over-representation!'
Disappointed!
So glad I read 'Your views' on this topic, I was actually starting to feel homesick. Thankfully (as a Maori) I no longer feel like a second class citizen all I had to do was leave my country. Great to see the mindset of NZ's majority hasn't changed perhaps TVNZ has achieved exactly what it is supposed to, to keep the ignorant uninformed.
Dem (AKL)
Recently I attended a Network Evening of Maori business owners and Maori professionals. It was great to be at something that celebrates the successes in Maoridom rather than the negatives. Where were you TVNZ? Maori have some wonderful role models out there who dont bash their partners or their kids; who dont take drugs or drink hoards of alcohol; who dont sleep around like those ones on Shortland Street; who live by a good values system. Sadly, TVNZ have very few programs that show Maori in a positive light and if programs like Police 10 7 and Shortland Street are Mr Ellis' view of TVNZ meeting its charter obligations to Maori then I say, shame on you. How sad that is for our next generation.
Cooky (Auckland)
When these issues make the news I wish people would take the opportunity to think about the society we are creating for future generations. We have the unique Maori culture in New Zealand attracting millions of visitors (and their holiday dollars) from around the globe each year. I have friends from overseas who will always remember the Maori chap who drove them on their bus tour, the friendliness and humour of the Maori guides in Rotorua, and the wonderful openness and generosity of every Maori person they met on their trip over from england. They also have not so good memories of the open hostility pakeha New Zealanders demonstrated toward Maori in casual conversations, in pubs and bars, restaurants and in some very well to do homes. What is it that underpins this hostility? Are there not enough Maori in prison perhaps, or does the average wage for Maori seem way too much (18k), maybe it's the fact that way too many of them have been able to hold onto their language ( 4 per cent), or that they reflect too much our inability as a nation to acknowledge, respect and help those who aren't pakeha. Don't get me started on Rick Ellis.
KS
Stop marginalizing Maori and get over yourselves. There are over 90 channels to choose from, having 1 or 2 channels showing Maori during prime time is no big deal. The fact that only 4 per cent of us speak our national language - yes thats right its a national language, just goes to show how much we do need Maori programming. And who said its just the language content anyway that makes a show Maori - you small minded racist people really have no idea do you. Your quite happy to take our haka and use our culture for your own benefit when it suits but are totally unwilling to give us the time of day otherwise. How does having Maori in prime time deprive you? Think of it as a positive, some of you obviously spend way too much time on the couch in front of your tv.
Aunty Betty
Do Maori elders not approve of all the Maori and Pacifica police officers on ten 7 , especially the assertive young female ones. Is that not a positive role model. They come off better than the white male youths vommitting down their fronts or the girls being portrayed as spoiled trouble making little daddies girls. neither are accurate portrayals. Watching NZ TV one could assume the only folk who aren't deprived , abused and discriminated against are the various caucasion (white)cultures in this country. the most anti Maori programme , particularly to young women , is Ask Your Aunty where young women are frequently told by the panel of aunties that they have asked for what ever bad or abusive thing they have been a victim of. Unplanned pregnancies , don't dare make the father obligated, it is your fault and burden. 15 yr rape victims, you must have wanted it, leave your older sister's husband alone. what message is that. take their funding away.
Mo Fo
Why isnt showing how most Maori People speak and act such as on Shortland good enough? Showing them speaking Maori more doesnt show how they live. I dont know anyone who can have a full conversation in Maori or would bother. Most of the world speaks English or at least knows a little of it.There just trying to make trouble.
Rodeoman
The Maori party is over-reacting. TVNZ is doing a good job including things Maori in local programming. The good,bad and ugly are all represented. Sharples et.al. are being too precious, I could complain that my perspective is not being fairly reflected, but then I'm one individual and can't expect to be the role model for all of New Zealand.Most programs are there to entertain us, get over it.
UnKnOwN
Just a quick one, did anyone force Maori to be on police 10-7??? i dont think anyone else is painting any kind of image about anyone.
Le Fox
I believe Maori are over represented on television. Maori have a taxpayer funded TV station which I thought would have been enough, however I can't understand why the Chairman didn't mention Willy Jackson's 2 shows, & the twice daily Maori news shows, the list goes on. It seems to me, that everytime I turn on the TV. I have a Maori show that is beaming into my lounge room,of course I turn it off, but I have run my batteries down on the remote, as I have to change the channel far too often.When do Maori start paying for their own broadcasts? It seems the minority win over the majority yet again.
Too much (Browns Bay)
Why is there such an outcry for Maori people and Maori language to be on state TV? They now have their own channel, is that not enough. As a viewer do not have the choice if I want to learn or hear the language then to flick to the Maori Channel. Why then, should we have to have it on other channels as well, when less than 4 per cent of us speak or understand it.
Neps
Well, just when I thought "mainstream" NZ was on the road to wanting to understand Maori views, appreciating Maori culture for it's uniqueness and wanting to participate in things Maori along comes this comment and many more similar to it "...The maoriising of New Zealand is rife, and most of us are sick of it, even Air New Zealand has an ad sung in Maori...". E hoa, NZ was "maoriised" before your ancestors turned up and it will continue to be so. If you prefer a more European culture, move to Europe! The point of this whole debate is about negative stereotyping, where are the TVNZ programmes that show positive contributions to NZ by Maori. Remember we only have a TVNZ because Maori exercised a right under the Treaty for it to remain in kiwi owned hands and not to be sold off with other state owned assets. Think about that.
davr0s (Whangaparaoa)
I think that Pita Sharples is being racially biased. He whinges like a small child who needs a good smack (but we can't, now). Instead of whining how Kia Ora bro isn't good enough for Maori contribution for TVNZ perhaps he can offer some ideas as to what would fulfil his idea of Maori culture on TV. It's easy enough to go blah blah blah its not fair, so come on Doc, tell TVNZ what to do to appease you. To force a certain amount of Maori TV on the general public is rubbish. Does he then expect TVNZ to broadcast all the other minority races on TV too? I don't think that there has been any tv programs which seek out Icelandic sex changed monopeds as candidates for changing rooms – I bet they're gutted and feel quite aggrieved. As far As Maori TV goes to compliment Police 10/7 how about Prison Break? Who really cares about Maori TV anyway, they're all watching Sky digital where there's something decent on.
Kel
I think Rick Ellis could be right or wrong, depending on your view of what is considered "Maori perspectives". However, as we are constantly being reminded that New Zealand is a multi-cultural society, why do we not see more of those cultures on television? Asia Downunder is possibly one of the best programmes on TV on Sunday mornings. Why not have programmes in Spanish, French, Tongan, Samoan etc for people from all walks of life to enjoy? Would people stop complaining then? Probably not, but it's a nice thought.
Logan Gillette
As a Maori, I find Mr. Ellis's comments an affront, not only to Maori but to all New Zealander's because of the fact that he is either oblivious of TVNZ's obligations or because he has a complete disregard for those obligations. What I find even more disturbing is the fact that so many more people seem to agree with him under the pretense that this is not a big deal.It seems to me that Mr. Ellis, along with those people that agree with him, have completely missed the boat. TVNZ has a fiduciary duty to present content that is not only entertaining and informative but also reflective of who Maori are as a whole. Why should the public have to pay to only see negative or condescending stereotypes of Maori being perpetuated on T.V programming? TVNZ is subject to this obligation because it is an SOE, not because Maori have an agenda to ram more Maori programming down the throats of non-Maori or to dictate what you can and cannot watch on T.V. This is not about political sensitivities or pandering to Maori, its about making people in positions of responsibility responsible, nothing more, nothing less. TVNZ has failed to meet that responsibility and anything else is ancillary.
Pakeha (Hokianga)
His comments only confirm the ignorance and arrogance of an organisation that is supposed to represents all New Zealanders. Coming from a man in ellis' position the only conclusion one can draw is that he was giving the select committee the fingers when he made that statement. This incident is part of a much bigger issue which is the "Don Brash" syndrome; everyone should be treated the same as long as it is the English way.
Graeme
When only 4 per cent of Maori can speak their language why should we all have to endure Maori programmes on TV. Maori Television is state funded and should provide the required coverage and I believe they already do.Why pamper to these PC morons and surely Maori by now can manage to put a programme together that every New Zealander would like to watch rather than most of the bull programmes on Maori TV that seem to dwell on injustices around the world of native cultures that have absolutely nothing to do with Maori.
Razor
What a joy to know that most readers are red neck, beer swigging, white, trailer park trash.
Carl
I just find Maori TV and Maori culture in general pretty boring to watch. Swinging pois, doing hakas, saying "chur" and "bro" and playing the acoustic guitar can get a bit tiresome after a while.
Mama Mia (Auckland)
Rick Ellis' claim that because TVNZ uses a Maori or two in one of its soaps it's a Maori programme is as preposterous as claiming that because American Viggo Mortensen played Aragorn in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" it's suddenly a US movie. Get a life Rick.
Kim (West Auckland)
OK I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when Rick Ellis read the list - he could've been reading a shopping list from his demeanor and understanding of what he'd said out loud. I am not Maori but enjoy watching programmes with Maori content - mostly because they give a different perspective to New Zealand life which is refreshing. We live in a diverse country where we all do the same things (only differently) and share the same values (reflected differently). Put Maori programmes on in prime time and let Kiwis decide what they want to watch.
Andre Carl (Remuera)
Get rid of all Maori programmes at TVNZ and put them on Maori TV, at least they will treat Maori aspects with respect!
A
Who really cares! This is pathetic...so we should be showing Maori language programmes at prime time just cos Maori people are the native people of NZ? That is just ridiculous! what a joke! Only 4 per cent of people can speak Maori, so I dont think that much people will really be able to watch it. Whatt are those Maori MPs trying to prove? There is already enough representatation of Maori culture on NZ TV. We don't need more.
Brian (AKL)
In response to THC in Tanaki: If you Maorí TV is so "pumping" go ahead and watch it and let me watch something I want to - we'll all be happy. Maori are not the "owners of the house", you're flatmates just like the Pakeha, and I am not a Red Neck just because I disagree with you. There is not some great conspiracy to keep the Maori voice down, and deny it representation. The "red necks" aren't out to get you. Maori TV could be every bit as good as American, "Pakeha" or British TV if it wants to be - put together some actually entertaining programmes that the majority of NZérs want to watch and you'll see great success. Keep creating programs that only 5-10 per cent of the country want to watch, and don't be surprised if 90 per cent+ of the country don't want to see it. I'm all for Maori TV - as long as it's as good as non Maori TV I'll watch it - why should I have to otherwise?
Fiona
There's more maoris on police 10 7 than any other show.
Junie
What is degrading to Maori is the way Maori presenters on programmes such as Mai Time speak - basically feeding the sterotype that all Maoris actually speak like gangsters from South Auckland (they don't) and in slang that dumbs down English, and subconsciously, themselves. How can young Maori move forward when these so-called role models can't even articulate properly? Yes, I believe Maori needs more postive representation on TV - not in a hee hee laughing Billy T style (there's enough of that), not in the downtrodden reality series way (Neighbours at War), not as actors in a patronising show like Shortland Street - instead, let's hear articulate Maori putting their points of view across, sharing what their culture means to them and participating as presenters of television shows. There's plenty of well-educated Maori beating the white man at his own game. It time for them to rise up.
GForce
I am disgusted as if Shortland street represents Maori in approach attitude and sensitivities. All they are is Maori in a pakeha program. TVOne should get no Maori Money. Te Karere should move over to Maori Television and Maori Television should buy the rights to 60 minutes, 20/20 and other great shows. TVone can keep Shortland street and Police whatever. TVONE has done nothing to elevate the negative impression of Maori. I say sack them all.
Brian (Auck)
Personally I think that having a Maori channel for those who are interested in promoting a specific cultural perspective and those who wish to learn more about it should be more than sufficient to satisfy any reasonable obligations. Mainstream TV should be exactly that - what the majority of viewers want to watch. Cmmercial (non state funded) TV channels are reliant on showing programming that people actually want to watch. If they don't people don't watch them and they go under. Perhaps a good measure of the real demand for Maori specific programmingwould be to look at how much of it there is on commercial channels? I actually enjoy some of the Maori programming - particularly the show on TV3 Sunday morning - but I think it should only be on air if people want to watch it, just like everything else. Let Maori programming stand on its own two feet. If it's wanted it'll be watched. If it's not watched, take it off just like every other unpopular TV program. Seems pretty fair to me.
Robert
I know how they could double Maori TV content super easy.... play crime watch twice a week.
Mahal (Auckland)
I do own a television - it's hooked up to the game stations and my computer. I get the news via the internet, and if there is a TV series I think I may enjoy, I'll buy the DVD's. I never watch NZ TV - I don't want someone else's opinion on 'acceptable' content shoved down my throat. Same reason I don't listen to NZ radio any more - I don't enjoy the large percentage of NZ-only content that's required.
DR
Maori TV doesn't have a charter to fulfill, yet it does a better job of fulfilling TVNZ's obligations to it than TVNZ does, and with millions of dollars less government funding (or, as most prefer to see it, taxpayers money). How ironic.
THC in Tanaki
Why do we have such a red neck community in this country??? Is noone wearing sun screen?? Maori are tangata whenua... we have only Aotearoa to call home, we dont have anywhere else. Now, in my home I think that I should atleast see a few pictures of myself... is that not fair? Im sick of seeing pictures of everyone else and being told its a picture of me cos there's a dead fly squashed on the frame! All you who think you can fob off the responsibility of our nation to show respect to the Maori (the owners of the house) by telling us to watch Maori TV are just copping out. Maori TV is there to serve as a window to the Maori world because the red necks won't let us do so in mainstream. Maori TV is not, and should not be deemed the be all and end all of Maori television programming. TVNZ has a responsibility to shut down the red neck notion and get with the program! Maori are here to stay, so stop the underhanded dealings and just admit that TVNZ is whack and Maori TV is pumping!
Janet (Northland)
So this explains to me why we have to have a maori greeting before the news each night......
Cal
The suggestion that Maori programming should run in prime time is ridiculous. TVNZ is a commercial entity and should not have to bend to government (or opposition) interference in the way it programs.No one is going to watch a Maori language program over, say, Lost, Shortland St or the News- unless of course you are one of the 4 per cent of Kiwis that actually speak the language. Add another 2 per cent or so of people who may be academically interested or feel culturally guilty and you still only have a tiny number of people watching. If no one is watching, no one is advertising with the exception of niche marketers (of which I cannot think of even one example). However, Mr. Ellis has demonstrated that he truly is an idiot. Why intentionally antagonise your audience at a select committee by offering programs like Police 10/7 as an example of Maori content?
Miranda (Manurewa)
Responding to the 'kerfuffle' in parliament re Maori content on radio and specifically - TV. I'd have thought the problem would have been solved as they have radio and TV stations dedicated to them. Is this not yet enough ?? Instead of sitting down and watching what is or isn't on TV a fair portion of our ethnic people should go for long brisk walks.
Brett
Oh dear Rick, were they your thoughts ? If so time to go back to IT. Your advisors thoughts? No surprise there as TVNZ is full of social gadflys with as much handle on real NZ as TVNZ does on it's charter obligations. Regardless of the existence of Maori broadcasting resources, schools etc the issue is TVNZ take the funding for Maori content yet fail to deliver in that regards.
Mr Ellis's answers and preparation show an arrogance toward the hand that feeds typical of commercial television over the last 20 years which is why it's in terminal decline. In TVNZ's case it's pushing ever harder down the slope to a future when it's not the nations voice but a reflection of it's arrogant white middle class born to rule attitudes that Rick and his team display.Naive, out of touch and not delivering. As much as I'm no Richard Prebble fan his recent criticism of SOE's is hard to rebut and with quality like this in charge the competition (Sky, TV3) mush wish him many more years in the role.
Sonia
I think a rather frightening number of people who have posted Your Views have either not read or totally misunderstood the article, or else they are simply looking for an outlet to do more "Mäori bashing". Considering that this country is founded upon the Treaty of Waitangi, a document that binds us as a bicultural nation, TVNZ has an obligation to reflect that in its broadcasting. This does not mean we need more Mäori language programs, nor does it mean that we need more Mäori actors or newsanchors. It means that there should be more information presented on mainstream television that fits inline with Mäori perspectives or worldviews. Sadly, too many people have come to accept Päkehä worldview as the "right" and even as the only worldview that there is, the ignorant and downright racist posts in this thread are direct evidence of this.
Sean 22
I don't what the problem is, I believe Police 10-7 is an accurate reflection of Maori. They do commit over 50 per cent of the NZ's crime and only around 10 per cent of the population, this is a huge disproportion and if more of them would watch this program out crim stats might go down! I just think we need to be a little less PC, I think the Chief Executive is doing a good job.
Sandra Holman
Shortland Street, we call it Whanau Street in our house, it is full of Maori people. The maoriising of New Zealand is rife, and most of us are sick of it, even Air New Zealand has an ad sung in Maori - what are they singing about - no one I spoke to knows, Maori have a television channel what more do they want. The programmes that are shown on TV would reflect Maori lives example Crime Watch, Police 10/7 if Maori think that it is insulting change their lives
Charles
What a bunch of whiners and lazybones! I bet these guys will shut up if we were to make every single Maori a millionaire... Just admit it guys, you're all about free money!
Stubbs
Oh dear..I honestly cannot see the fuss in any of this at all. Apart from police ten/seven comment..(which I thought was quite funny actually), broadcasting television to me are doing as much as they can pertaining. There is the Maori television channel that has a huge audience, Te Karere,Mai used to feature and despite sometimes the bad pronounciation..there are many pakeha announcers who speak the reo..what more is needed. By the way, I am Maori. What more is needed with the mix of so many other programmes and cultures featured.
What a Joke
We all live in one country, we are all the same people, what a joke this is - find something worthwhile to talk about. Political Correctness gone mad!
Phil
To an assimilationist, showing Maoris engaged in mainstream NZ culture may seem like "Maori tv" but of course it isn't.As I understand it the purpose of Maori TV programming is to ensure that Maori particularly young Maori regularly see their culture portrayed in contemporary media, and programs such as Shortland St are the reverse of that. That is they regularly portray Maori people in non-Maori culture which is great for the authenticity and ratings of Shortland St because it shows mainstream society more realistically than when Tangata Whenua were the exception not the rule on locally produced TV. Since Maori people are a substantial segment of the NZ viewing audience this opens the program up to Maori viewers. What it doesn't do is provide any insight into Maori culture and society and therefore cannot be considered part of TVNZ's charter obligations to Tangata Whenua.
Paul (Wellywood)
For most New Zealanders its another case of "Here we go again..." I Say "most New Zealanders" because theres a small portion of Maori that distinctively think they should be treated differently from anyone else and will start raging and waving signs that say "Racist" and "Politically in-correct". The truth is, if you're a New Zealander you will have the exact same rights as the person next to you, end of story. If you believe you have more rights than another person in this country, the solution is simple - Go away...There should be No obligation to show more Maori television as Police 10/7 seems to show enough (Yes its a stereotype but go ahead and deny that most prisoners are Maori). It actually amazes me how people go out of their way to try receive extra rights for race...I mean hell, why not introduce Chinese television and Indian television as theyre also minorities as well...But at least they act like New Zealanders.
Jess
Some of the Your Views made on this issue have just made me laugh. When you think about how many people in this country understand and speak Maori you'll realise that anymore than the Maori channel and the other bits and pieces that are on TV now would be a waste of money. I don't particularly enjoy a lot of NZ programs anyway (except for Shorty Street when I want to watch something mindless)as they are fairly boring. But when you mention "reality" tv like Police 10/7 or Motorway Patrol, it's inevitable that Maori (and other nationalities) will be shown in a bad light as they are breaking the law.Mr Sharples should start concentrating on more important issues within Maoridom, like gang problems for instance. If they change TVNZ much more I'll never watch it, maybe that's a good thing.
Rossnz
Who really cares? Some outspoken Maori obviously believe that things Maori are not much more than the language, marae protocol and grass skirt performances. The TVNZ charter was a silly patronising idea in the first place. Serves Labour right. New Zealand should be proud of its integration of so many different races. It is only the hierarchy that doesn't seem to understand this success. Why do Maori leaders want to live in an 1840s time-warp?
Jonty (Hicks Bay)
"Maori have their own channel, let them go there" - um, Maori are already there?! "Forcing Maori programming onto me only repels me from watching" - with 100+ other channels to choose from, you're not exactly being forced to watch anything, are you? "We pour so much of our hard-earned tax money into the Maori channel" - TVNZ received $2.4m from the government budget last year, on top of their $15m charter funding. Maori TV received $11m in government funding every year since it began in 2003. We're paying more for the crap on TVNZ yet Maori TV is fulfilling the charter better! Basically, I get the feeling that the Maori TV naysayers here have never even bothered to watch it. And then there are the Maori-bashers here calling us names like "separatists" etc. Excuse me, your types keep trying to assimilate us into your single national identity yet you don't hear us calling you "assimilators". . We are not kiwi (that is the name of a native bird, though), and we are not New Zealanders. We are Maori and we will keep reminding you of that every single day of your existence, and your children's existence, and their children's existence. Get the picture?
