Maori TV about to scrap its news show, Harawira claims

Mr Harawira blamed political bias and interference from the National and Maori parties in downgrading <i>Native Affairs</i> and dumping <i>Te Kaea</i>. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Up to 25 people could see their jobs axed as Maori Television ditches its Te Kaea news show, Mana leader Hone Harawira claimed late last night.

He was responding to reports that today, the company's chairwoman, former National Cabinet minister Georgina te Heuheu, will brief Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples about a restructuring that could cost jobs.

However, Maori Television denied Mr Harawira's claims.

The Mana leader said other questions including whether MTS would buy in news from TVNZ, whether Native Affairs would be turned into a "magazine-style show" and if the head of news and current affairs, Julian Wilcox, would see his role disestablished demanded "immediate answers".

Mr Harawira blamed political bias and interference from the National and Maori parties in downgrading Native Affairs and dumping Te Kaea.

He asked why news and current affairs staff were not consulted in the broadcaster's "structural realignment". Dr Sharples should stop the process dead in its tracks, he said.

But a spokeswoman for Dr Sharples said the minister had yet to be briefed on exactly what the changes were.

Last week, CEO Paora Maxwell told staff the strategic alignment plan had been accepted by the MTS board and "change was imminent".

A MTS spokeswoman acknowledged last night that a review was under way and said an announcement to staff would likely be made in the next few days.