Maori Television acting as a form of declonisation

Maori Television: Does Maori television act as a form of decolonization?

In the first few lectures of Maori 271 I was presented to the idea that Maori television was established to revitalize Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga, this idea of Maori television acting as a tool of decolonization was however something new to me.

Initially when I think of the term ‘colonization’ in the Maori world, I think of loss of language, loss of culture, loss of resources and basic disconnection to who one is basically as Maori, more specifically disconnection to iwi and hapu.

Therefore to think about Maori television acting as a way of undoing or perhaps implementing change within Maori, I think to some extent yes, Maori television plays a role in decolonization.

Personally, Maori Television is a milestone and in fact a tool for te iwi Maori in the pursuit of reconnecting back with our people and cultural ties. With our ever-changing vast society the need for Maori to be involved within the media is essential to target and reach a larger audience. With the media being so influential particularly among taiohi, te iwi Maori needs a voice, this is what Maori television has initiated.

Although Maori television can be targeted at large audience, I would particularly like to focus in on potential influence it can have on a younger audience. Children today can now enjoy and be immersed in TV programs where cartoon characters and presenters speak Maori, something that was almost unheard of prior to the establishment of this network.

Immersion and engagement of Maori is something essential for the survival of our language and heritage. Maori Television has again contributed to the same thing that Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa and Bilingual units have tried to embed among taiohi today; Te Reo Maori. Maori television can also aid in the process of speaking and practicing Maori at home, something which is not just left at school or kura but becomes a part of everyday lifestyle, the so called “norm”, something that we need. The upcoming generations are the future of Maori, the leaders of the future, if they are provided with the knowledge and language of our people in a mainstream-dominant culture, that in itself is a huge success.

The complexities of how shows and voices are presented on Maori Television are again another issue and obstacle to overcome. Some may disagree on how the shows are presented. The pressures of Maori Television are evident as they are in fact having to primarily focus in on reviving Te Reo whilst simultaneously fulfilling the expectations and outline of mainstream by appealing to everyone as a whole, not just Maori. This is where current issues lie, Maori are trying to regain and become in touch with who they are but within strict mainstream boundaries.

On a whole and wider perspective Maori Television is a great initiative for our people. It’s form of resource, entertainment, and insight into the Maori culture. The main objective of establishing something for Maori has been achieved, there is however always room for improvement and this is where the controversy of the network comes about.

Maori Television is a foundation for us to build upon, with continual developments sees a change within not only the media but within society.

Waihoki, he tino nui nga hua, nga taonga, nga ahuatanga o te iwi Maori kia pupuri e tatou, kia wananga, kia wherawhera hai tapiri atu ki te kete matauranga!