Programming manager aims to normalise Maori language

Programming manager: Joanna Paul

Tribe: Ko Ngai te Rangi taku iwi

Position: General manager of programming, production and acquisitions

Previous experience in broadcasting: 13 years in film, TV and radio, including Frontline and 60 Minutes


Q. What is your aim for Maori Television?

A. To ensure the delivery of high-quality TV programmes that reflect and satisfy the wide ranges of interest.

We aim to normalise the language across all genres for all, and capture and grow Maori Television.

Q. How will you judge its success?

A. Audience growth and increased usage of te reo and better understanding of tikanga for all of us. A sense of nationhood.

Q. How are you feeling right now, ahead of launch day?

A. Tired! Feeling like it is unbelievable to have come this far in a relatively short period.

Q. Why should Maori tune in?

A. This channel will reflect and feed them. Life with a Maori spin on it.

Q. Why should Pakeha?

A. This channel will truly reflect New Zealand. It is a matapihi into the world of Maori and a chance to look out too into the international indigenous communities.

Q. Why do we need Maori Television?

A. To truly reflect ourselves as a nation

Q. What do you think is going to be an early highlight?

A. The highlight will be walking down the street and hearing other people talking about [the programmes] too.