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A new internet-based Pacific Island channel is set to be launched as a number of new stations are developed to bring Polynesian culture to a wider audience.
The channel - which will stream online from November 1 - will allow users to view Pasifika short films and programmes.
The announcement of the new channel - made at the annual Pacific Islands Media Association NZ conference - was met with surprise and excitement, as moves to introduce a state-owned Pacific channel have already been made.
Long-time broadcaster Will 'Ilolahia said there had been a long wait for a specialised channel.
"We found out in our research that there are a large number of people in the world who want to watch films made here, by Pacific people.
"Young Pacific Islanders will be able to submit their short films and be able to broadcast it on here. I think there's a high amount of people without digital TV or Sky, so the internet is a good way to see it - everyone has access to it," he said.
The Pima conference was also told of moves by TVNZ and TVWorks (TV3) to introduce an exclusively Pacific channel on their networks.
TV Works approached MPs in February with a proposal for a station, dubbed South Pacific Television.
If approved, the station will feature programming bought from around the Pacific, and local content that would include entertainment, educational programmes, current affairs and music. Channel board member Innes Logan - who is also publisher of Spasifik Magazine - said TVWorks considered the new channel a top priority.
"We want to make it happen. I think it's important for the Pacific market and for the Pacific people.
"We're actually quite a young people and many are trendsetters - influential in music, the arts and entertainment. It's a step forward for Pacific people."
Maori Television head of news and current affairs Wena Harawira said Maori and Pacific Island media had faced similar barriers over the years.
"For Maori, it was an accidental birth - from a 3-minute news bulletin back in the day to a channel - it was the hunger of Maori that kind of built up into a snowball. The same for Pacific," she said.
Ms Harawira said New Zealand was ready for such specialist programming.
"Certainly, the demographics showing the browning of New Zealand insists that we go that way," she said.
"You waste the least amount of energy supporting this kind of kaupapa rather than trying to prevent it."
