8.Dec 2021 2.10 SIC ppr PIJF.pdf

AGENDA ITEM 2.10
PUBLIC INTEREST JOURNALISM – PROJECTS
FUNDING DECISIONS
RECOMMENDATION
Act
That the Staff Investment Committee approves funding up to:
•
$737,036 to Great Southern Television and Aoteaora Media Collective for The Hui 7, 40 x 28’ shows and
40 x 28' podcasts for Three
•
$978,175 to Discovery NZ for Newshub Nation 2022, 41 x 50’ and a podcast series for Three subject to
•
$324,200 to Stuff for Stuff Circuit 2022, a minimum of 90’ of video for Stuff
•
$842,200 to Television New Zealand for Q+A with Jack Tame 2022, 40 x 59’ episodes, plus a two-hour
special on TVNZ 1
•
$336,358 to Newsroom NZ for Newsroom Investigates 2022, a minimum of 60’ of video for Newsroom
Information
•
$146,745 to Kowhai Media for A Voice for Tangaroa, 4 x 3000-word written features, 6 x 400-1500-word
stories for NZ Geographic, subject to
•
$9,817 to Kakalu Media for Online project,  website  creation  and livestream capability,  subject to
•
$152,304 to The Spinoff for The Quarter Million, 2 x 4,000-5,000-word feature plus 8-10 Instagram tiles,
4 x 1000-word stories plus 8-10 Instagram tiles, 4 x 2,000-word stories plus 8-10 Instagram tiles for The
Spinoff
Official
•
$292,692 to Muster Vibrant Rural Communities for Rural Issues: Women’s perspectives on
contemporary social and cultural issues, 9 x 3,000 words, 72 x 600-1500-word stories, 6 x 3’ video for
Shepherdess platforms, subject to
the
•
$80,500 to NZME for Whenua: is it yours? Interactive database and map, 4 x 1,500-3,000 word features,
subject to
•
$154,020 to BusinessDesk for Charity Sector Investigation,  a minimum of  30 stories, subject to
under
•
$25,000 to North & South Media for Exploring Aotearoa’s Chinese Communities, 4-6 features totalling
20,000 words, subject to
•
$40,000 to Newsroom NZ for Climate Change Interview Series, 10 x 12’ video content for Newsroom
•
$189,200 to Māori Television for Miria Te Pounamu, subject to
•
$61,725 to Allied Press for Cultural Competency and commissioning project, 6 x  long-form  articles,
subject to
15 applications recommended for total funding of up to $4,369,972
Released
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   OVERVIEW
1.
In January 2021 Cabinet agreed to draw down $55m over the next three years (2021 - 2023) from the tagged
contingency set aside by Cabinet for broadcasting initiatives. This funding will be administered by NZ On Air
to support the production of public interest journalism including Māori and Iwi journalism that is relevant to
and valued by New Zealanders.
2.
General Guidelines for the PIJF were published in April 2021. The principles set out in the Cabinet paper have
informed the design of the Public Interest Journalism Fund (PIJF). NZ On Air col aborated with Te Māngai  Act
Pāho on the design and delivery of the fund.
3.
The PIJF is structured to support journalistic capability across three funding pillars: Projects, Roles, and
Industry Development.
4.
This third round of the Public Interest Journalism Fund sought applications to the Projects and Targeted
Roles pillars of the fund. Information for this Sep/Dec funding round outlined the assessment criteria and
funding priorities to applicants.
5.
NZ On Air earmarked circa $9m for this funding round and received 80 initial applications col ectively seeking
$29,135,469.
Information
6.
Applications for Project funding (circa $7m allocated) were sought in the following areas:
•  News and Current Affairs Projects – including children’s and youth news
•  Investigative journalism projects
•  Projects that improve the overall quality, provision and/or sustainability of PIJ.
7.
The criteria for Targeted Roles in this round (circa $2m allocated) were developed in response to industry
Official
feedback and learnings after Round 2 which had focused purely on content-creation roles and Round 3
sought to encourage roles that supported the production and sustainability of high-quality public interest
journalism.
the
8.
This round invited applications from a number of journalism and current affairs projects annually funded by
NZ On Air baseline factual funding, and projects recently funded via one-off additional Government funding.
9.
These projects were considered in a ful y contestable process under the same eligibility and assessment
criteria as other applications with an additional circa $4m from NZ On Air baseline factual funding added to
this PIJF round to acknowledge that it was likely that some returning journalism projects would be funded
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and that accommodations should be made to maximise the number of new projects that could be supported
via the PIJF. This decision was made following stakeholder consultation from the sector in February.
10.  The ‘legacy’ projects for consideration by SIC include three that cover political affairs along with general
news and current affairs, Q + A, Newshub Nation and The Hui. While the PIJF General Guidelines published in
April noted ‘National Political Coverage’ in the topics not covered by the PIJF, they did allow for applicants to
make the case for funded coverage of these issues on a culturally specific basis and with a clear rationale as
to how they would not be covered in the normal course of events.”

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11.


12.  There was a two-stage application process for Round 3. Applicants were first asked to submit five-page
proposals by Thursday 30th September, which were individual y assessed by panel ists. A hui was then held
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on Friday 8th of October. Shortlisted applications then submitted ful  proposals by Tuesday 26th of October.
Fol owing further individual assessment, a hui was held on Tuesday 2nd November to decide on the funding
recommendations outlined in this paper.
13.
applications were submitted at the first stage seeking Project Funding.
were invited to submit to full
proposal stage. 15 projects outlined in this paper are recommended for funding up to $4,369,972

Six projects were considered as part of the Children and Youth paper and
are considered in a separate SIC paper (agenda item 2.12).
14.  The assessment panel for the PIJF Round 3 included:
Act
a.

b.

c.

d.  Raewyn Rasch (Ngāi Tahu) - NZ On Air Head of Journalism. Former General Manager Māori and Pacific
programmes at TVNZ, executive producer of Seven Sharp, producer of Fair Go and Marae
Information
Investigates, TV and radio journalist.
e.  Glenn Usmar - Associate Head of Funding (Systems), NZ on Air. Former Programme Manager for Rialto
Channel, Sky TV, and Programmer at TVNZ.
f.  Gabriel Thomas - Journalism Manager, NZ On Air. Former executive producer of The Nation and Firstline,
producer Newshub Live at 6.
Official
g.  Fairooz Samy - Journalism Funding Advisor, NZ On Air. Current Media Studies PhD candidate at Victoria
University of Wellington.
15.  Conflicts of interest are outlined as below. Funding assessors did not have access to the funding application
the
and were removed from the funding decisions for these applications.
a.
took no part in this assessment.
b.  Raewyn Rasch

aewyn took no part in the
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Newsroom Investigates assessment.
c.  Amie Mil s

she did not take part in the assessment discussion for this application.

GENERAL ASSESSMENT & STAFF OPINION
The Hui 7

Great Southern Television               $737,036
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

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Synopsis
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16.  This is an application for a 7th season of The Hui a weekly digital-first Māori current affairs programme
broadcast on Three and multiple other platforms that promotes the Māori world view on a range of issues
while supporting the normalisation and status enhancement of te reo Māori.
General Assessment
17.  Since 2016, The Hui has provided a Māori world view in a half hour programme of current affairs video
reporting and studio interviews. In 2021 it became a digital-first format and it proposes to continue this in
2022, digitally live streaming 40 x 28’ shows on Monday 8.30pm, followed by 2 x linear replays on Three, as
well as producing a weekly podcast of the show (40 x 28').
Act
18.  The primary platform is Three with additional platforms listed as Māori Television, Māori Television on
Demand, and ThreeNow. Stories are cross-promoted on Newshub’s 6pm bul etin extending reach of the
programme. It also has significant delivery via the Facebook live stream.
19.  While the linear broadcast currently airs following Newshub Late, Three is providing four on-air promos with
a new promotion slot that screens during the 6pm Newshub bul etin on Saturday.

20.

Information

21.  The quality of journalism on The Hui has been recognised international y with the programme being named
as a finalist for Best Public Affairs Program in the 2021 New York Festival’s TV and Film Awards, alongside Al
Jazeera and CGTN America.

Official

22.  The stories covered in 2021 demonstrate a broad range of issues and topics and many were picked up by
other media including a Māori women’s health special which sparked a larger debate. Social justice and
the
injustice also featured heavily with the programme discussing sensitive issues such as sexual abuse.
23.

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24.

25.

Staff Opinion
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26.  The Hui is a highly professional current affairs programme that serves both a Māori and general audience
from an unapologetic Māori world view. There is no doubt that The Hui is capable of leading the news
agenda and the access to a national audience via Newshub is well exploited.
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27.  The Hui exemplifies the meaning of public interest journalism by holding power to account, covering issues
that might otherwise not come to light, and providing a voice for and forum for discussion of topics affecting
te ao Māori.
28.

29.  The only other Māori current affairs programme to compare to The Hui is Marae, also funded by Te Māngai Act
Pāho which has been going for more than 20 years and broadcasts on TVNZ 2 on Sunday mornings.

Given the scarcity of Māori viewpoints in
mainstream media, staff felt that there was no issue of duplication at play with these two programmes as
they provided variety and duality.
30.  The Hui plays an important role in training and mentoring young Māori journalists and the applicant
provided a list of 15 reporters who have moved through the programme

Funding in round
Information
1 of the PIJF for a Hui Summer Series will further enhance this training capability.
31.  The move to digital-first has seen audience engagement that outstrips the linear delivery.
32.  AMC has demonstrated they have the capability to deliver to the highest level of current affairs and their
nurturing of young journalists is providing a vital learning ground for Māori journalists. Funding is
recommended up to $737,036.

Official
Newshub Nation 2022

Discovery NZ
         $978,175
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
the

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Synopsis
33.  Newshub Nation is a 41 x 56’ leading current affairs show for Three which is screened Saturdays live at
9.30am with extended repeat plays on Sundays at 10am, Mondays after the late news and an accompanying
podcast series ‘Supplementary Question’. It is returning for its 12th season in 2022 and includes one political
special broadcast from a Māori electorate.
General Assessment
34.  Newshub Nation has been supported by NZ On Air since 2010 and while it is similar in nature to Q+A on
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TVNZ 1, which is also recommended for funding in this round, both shows provide strong public interest
journalism by holding power to account especially at a national political level.


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35.

36.

  Act

37.

Information
Official
the

38.  The applicant says it has a deep commitment to Te Tiriti evidenced by the fact it refreshed its set graphics to
feature an overlay of the Māori version of Te Tiriti o Waitangi symbolising the partnership it seeks to
achieve.

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39.  Newshub Nation says it takes seriously its responsibility to reflect the cultural diversity of NZ especially in
those it chooses to feature on the show

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Act
40.



Information
41.  Newshub Nation’s ‘Supplementary Question’ was a finalist in the best podcast category of the Voyager
awards this year

42.

Official
43.

the
Staff Opinion
44.  Newshub Nation is a successful programme that delivers strong public interest journalism and despite
relatively smal  audience numbers has strong impact both in the way it holds power to account and uncovers
and provides a forum for issues that might otherwise not be brought to public attention.
45.  This contribution to public interest journalism would not be created if not for the public funding afforded
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this programme.
46.  Its innovation towards digital platforms is seeing that impact broaden beyond the traditional audiences and
its move to YouTube may also bring in new audiences.
47.

48.
it has shown it is committed to cultural diversity both in the
competency of its staff and the stories and people it engages on air. The development of a Partnership Editor
at Newshub (currently recommended for funding as a Targeted Role in this round) will also help develop this
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area if funded. Funding is recommended up to $978,175 subject to

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Stuff Circuit 2022

Stuff

$324,200
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
49.  A fourth season of large-scale in-depth investigations from the award-winning Stuff Circuit team across
Act
video, digital text features and Stuff’s nationwide stable of newspapers.
50.  For 2022 they will produce at least 90’ of video content with the specific number of outputs dependent on
the nature of the story/stories.
General Assessment
51.  Stuff Circuit operates as an investigative unit within Stuff with investigations housed on the Stuff Circuit
website showcasing video, supported by text features, news stories, timelines, maps interactives in whatever
format best suits the story.
52.  This year, the Stuff Circuit team has been working on

Information

Official

the
53.  Stuff had another story funded in 2020 from the general factual fund, ‘Deleted: How New Zealand is
implicated in the persecution of the Uyghurs in China’, which was published earlier this year. This
documentary exposed New Zealand businesses and political links to a Chinese company accused of human
rights violations against Uyghurs in China.
54.

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55.

56.  Stuff Circuit is produced by an experienced team headed by

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and won ‘Best Documentary/Series’ at the 2021 Voyager Media Awards for ‘Emma’. It also won a
Gold Medal, for Best Use of Video for ‘Deleted’ at the World Association of News Publishers Digital Media
Awards Asia 2021.

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57.

58.  COVID-19 has had an impact on the ability of the team to travel - especially internationally - and while it has
budgeted for the possibility of some travel later next year, if that does not eventuate, it will divert resources
into alternate methods of storytelling as it has done this year – for example, with increased use of animation
Act
to replace on-the-ground footage.
59.  While Stuff, at an organisational level, has developed a strong Te Tiriti commitment within its charter, the
Stuff Circuit application simply states that it has a close relationship with

is currently studying te reo Māori to ensure correct pronunciation and use of te reo
and enhanced knowledge of tikanga.
Staff Opinion
60.  The journalism produced by Stuff Circuit is public interest journalism of the highest order. I

The fact that Stuff is
Information
speaks to its commitment to this form of public
interest journalism, however public funding remains a vital requirement to continue making this content.
61.

there is an argument that this deep investigative
content is unique in its delivery and that the strong performance of past Stuff Circuit seasons is a sufficient
Official
indication of an ongoing, engaged audience base.

the

62.  NZ On Air has also traditionally funded Newsroom Investigates alongside Stuff Circuit, which produces a very
similar product for a similar cost
. The elements of competition and duality
have always played an important role in motivating investigative journalism and staff believes that multiple
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investigative projects across competing news outlets is important to the plurality and breadth of this critical
genre of public interest journalism. Funding is recommended for up to $324,200.

Q+A 2022

TVNZ

$842,200
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Released

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Synopsis
63.  Q+A with Jack Tame is a political current affairs programme on TVNZ comprising a weekly hour of interviews,
debates and discussions that inform and educate the country on the most pressing issues facing New
Zealand. 40 x 59’ episodes screening on Sundays at 9am, with a repeat on Mondays at 11.50pm as well as
one two-hour Budget Special.
General Assessment
64.  NZ On Air has funded Q+A since 2010 when it was hosted by

Act
and despite a short period in 2018 when it aired in prime time it has played in the same slot
at 9am on Sunday mornings.
65.  In 2021 the programme delivered several special episodes that took a head-on look at some of the big issues
facing New Zealanders, including climate change, superannuation, and the teaching of maths. These
episodes feature a diverse array of experts speaking on a panel in front of a live studio audience. Q+A
intends to deliver 6-8 of these types of specials in 2022.
66.

Information
Official
the
67.
under
68.

69.

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Act
70.

71.  In terms of its commitment to Te Tiriti, Q+A states “We strongly intend to continue strengthening both our
coverage of stories that affect Māori and minority communities, along with elevating voices from those
Information
communities to speak for themselves”.

72.

Official
Staff Opinion
73.  Q+A delivers quality public interest journalism, holding power to account and providing a forum for
important issues to be discussed and debated.
the
74.

PIJF data tracking will hopefully provide a more complete analysis post the 2022 season.
75.

under
76.  It is staff’s opinion that providing duality in these national forums is a vital part of the current media
landscape and a healthy democracy. Funding is recommended up to $842,200.

Newsroom Investigates 4

Newsroom

$336,358
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Released

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Synopsis
77.  A video series delivering 3 – 6 investigations with a total duration of no less than 60 minutes.

the NRI team focuses on social justice reporting that results in change.
General Assessment
78.  Newsroom Investigates produces a series of online video investigations with a range of formats from tightly
packaged 10’ programmes to multiple segments supported by digital text content. So far in 2021, the team
has produced nine Newsroom Investigates videos with a total duration of 90’ and expects to exceed its
Act
funded deliverables.
79.  There is no doubt this series has had impact. In 2021 its stories included an investigation into violence
against rangatahi in state care and within 48 hours of the story publication, Oranga Tamariki closed a youth
residence, stood down 60 staff and opened an investigation. The story sparked more than 40 stories
produced by other media. This exposé was the culmination of four years’ worth of investigating the impacts
of Oranga Tamariki and state-related agencies on New Zealand’s young people and the impact Newsroom
Investigates has had has been significant.
80.  The ramifications of the Hastings Uplift (2020) story continued this year with the Waitangi Tribunal releasing
its findings in what is the fifth inquiry sparked by the story. In its report it states “…. The professionalism of
Newsroom team has meant that a very important window has been opened into
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a world normally shut by the operation of privacy principles and court process.”
81.

Official
82.

83.  Newsroom Investigates says it is committed to its responsibilities as Tangata Tiriti and believes its continued
the
investigations highlighting institutional racism and developed relationships with Ngāti Kahungunu are
evidence of that. It also has a robust content sharing arrangement with

84.

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Staff Opinion
85.  Newsroom Investigates punches wel  above its weight in the impact its stories have and there is no doubt it
is delivering high quality public interest journalism.
86.

Ultimately its ability to hold power to account can be seen in the number of changes forced on
government departments and for the betterment of Aotearoa, especially its rangatahi.
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87.  Newsroom Investigates has in three years carved a huge reputation for itself with a form of investigative
journalism that is more issues-focused than that of Stuff Circuit, its nearest rival and provides an important
plurality of important public interest investigative journalism. Funding is recommended up to $336,358.

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A Voice for Tangaroa

Kowhai Media Ltd       $146,745
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
88.  Kowhai Media (NZ Geographic magazine) is applying for funding for A Voice for Tangaroa, a look into the  Act
most neglected 93% of New Zealand’s territory – the sea.
General Assessment
89.  New Zealand Geographic has been published since 1989 and the entire archive is available online. The
Ministry of Education subscribes to the archive on behalf of al  NZ students.
90.

Information
91.

92.  The project would comprise four major features
with original photography across at
least 14 pages each, and six stories
. These would run in NZ
Geographic across a year, with a view to telling stories that are seasonal.
Official
93.

the

Staff Opinion
94.  Biodiversity, ocean sanctuaries and economic development are topical issues of public interest, and the
assessors feel this project meets the PIJF criteria. One noted, “The subject is compel ing and provides an
opportunity to provide informed analysis and investigation of a complex subject.”
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95.  There is also a hope that

bringing public interest journalism to a wider audience.
96.  There is a significant amount of content proposed and assessors felt that given it is a resource-intensive
story to tel , it would not happen without public funding.
97.  This is innovative public interest journalism on an important topic not being covered elsewhere and that
could not happen without public support. Funding is recommended up to $146,745 subject to


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Kakalu Media Ltd

Kakalu Media Ltd

$9,817
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
98.  Kakalu Media is applying for funding to set up a website and livestream capability, to reach new Tongan
audiences with its news content.
Act
General assessment
99.  Kakalu o Tonga is the only printed Tongan language newspaper in New Zealand. It is also distributed in
Tonga and Sydney. It has been in print since 2010.
100.  Kakalu Media has not applied for NZ On Air funding before.
101.  Kakalu proposes setting up a website to share its news content to a wider audience and giving it the
capability to livestream community events both here in New Zealand and in Tonga. Once it is established,
this would be managed with current staffing and would not incur additional PIJF funding requests.
102.

Information
103.

Official
Staff Opinion
104.  The assessment panel was very enthusiastic about supporting Kakalu Media, given that it has an established
the
readership as evidence it is a valuable information service for the Tongan community in New Zealand.
105.

106.  The amplification of current news content to a wider Pacific audience in particular is an important criterion
for the PIJF, and this application fits that brief well. It also meets the objectives of the PIJF to provide funding
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that will help media outlets transition to more sustainable models of news production.
107.

108.  Transitioning print media towards digital certainly speaks to the sustainability goals of the PIJF and for a very
modest outlay, this application will transform Kakalu o Tonga and support a highly underserved audience.
Funding is recommended up to $9,817 subject to

Released

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The Quarter Million

The Spinoff

$152,304
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
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109.  The Quarter Million is a visual interrogation of The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care aimed at
18–30-year-olds, covering the stories of survivors, the stark reality of the numbers, and the changes we need
to protect future generations.
110.  Outputs include:
•  1 x longform graphic feature (combining illustration, interactive infographics and text) introducing
the inquiry (8-10 Instagram tiles accompanied by
)
•  4 x first-person illustrated narratives from survivors, including Māori and Pacific experiences (8-10
Instagram tiles accompanied by
as told-to written feature)
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•  4 x location-based graphic features, looking at key locations and presenting a mixture of data-driven
summaries and personal experiences (8-10 Instagram tiles accompanied by
)
•  1 x longform graphic feature looking at the future of the inquiry as well as the healing required as
described by survivors themselves (8-10 Instagram tiles accompanied by
feature)
111.  The timeline for the project is

General Assessment
Official
112.  Established in 2018, The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care is a landmark process uncovering
our devastating history of state abuse in Aotearoa — yet, according to the proposal, 70% of 18-24-year-olds
and 58.3% of 25-29-year-olds have never heard of the Inquiry or the issues it raises, despite recognising the
the
importance of the inquiry and having an interest in it.
113.

114.
this series seeks to meet this audience where they are, balancing the need to
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sensitively honour the stories told by survivors with the need for public awareness, given the human
tendency to avoid reading stories of abuse and trauma.
115.  The project will include a combination of visual investigative features as well as translations designed
specifically for social media, to encourage readers to share key information easily.
116.  Given the high proportion of Māori survivors — and the fact that Aotearoa’s history of colonisation and
inequality has led to their higher representation within the state care system today (making up 69% of
children in state care) — The Spinoff considers it integral that Māori journalists are part of this project, and it
has named
on the production team.
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117.  The platform recognises the emotional weight of investigative journalism of this nature, so is ensuring this is
shared between a team that wil  report on this series together, along with ensuring there are regular check-
ins and emotional support made proactively available, particularly to the junior journalists for whom this will
also serve as a professional development opportunity.
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118.  Stories will be published as hero pieces on the site and made available for publication to The Spinoff’s
content-sharing partners,

119.

Staff Opinion
120.  Although the PIJF has funded two pieces of content on The Abuse in State Care Enquiry, it remains one of the
biggest issues Aotearoa has faced. While a number of media outlets have covered the topic, staff felt that  Act
this project would engage a young, digitally entrenched demographic, who may not be as familiar with the
Inquiry because they do not follow mainstream media.
121.  Staff felt confident of The Spinoff’s ability to deliver this project to its suggested demographic, especially
through channels that appeal to them, such as social media.
122.  One assessor noted,
The project has the potential to
reach and engage with that audience on a subject that is of exceptional public interest, and which stil  has
long-term consequences for the people affected, their families and generations to fol ow”. Funding is
recommended for up to $152,304.

Information
Rural Issues
Muster Vibrant Rural Communities Limited

$292,692
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
Official

123.  Muster Vibrant Rural Communities Limited (Shepherdess Magazine) is applying for funding for a multi-media
series focusing on under-reported issues significant to women in rural and regional communities in NZ.
the
General Assessment
124.  Shepherdess magazine began as a blog with the first print version of the magazine coming out in March
2020.
They are also multi-media focused, creating videos,
specific social media content, email newsletters, and community storytelling projects and exhibitions. The
quality of the magazine is high, and it has already won awards and praise from within the media.
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125.

126.  The project would consist of nine in-depth feature stories (
) and 72 shorter stories, all
with original photography, plus six short films of three minutes each. These would be run across Shepherdess
magazine, website, social media channels and a fortnightly email newsletter.
127.  Across the project more than 100 women will be interviewed, and the application outlines significant
thought given to the geographic spread and the diversity of the interviewees. They say stories of wāhine
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Māori will be a priority.
128.  Topics covered in the series include

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129.  The application includes a letter of support from


130.  The application includes another letter of support from Rural Women NZ which says Shepherdess magazine
“provides an opportunity for connection between rural women that is not offered by any other publication.”
It also highlights the importance for young girls living in rural areas to be able to see success stories of
women from their own communities or communities like theirs.
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Staff Opinion
131.  The assessment panel was unanimous in its feeling that rural women are an audience not being served
by other media, and this is an opportunity to reach them with a quality PIJ project.
132.  The topics covered are important to the audience and investigating them in this in-depth way meets PIJF
criteria. The magazine is high quality and although relatively new, there is confidence this funding will
support it to grow its audience. Encouraging this publication also helps meet one of the goals of the PIJF to
grow the sector in at-risk areas.
133.

Information

134.  As stated in the PIJF guidelines, women and rural communities are currently underserved audiences and
staff is confident this project will deliver high quality PIJ content that engages and gives voice to this unsung
demographic. Funding is recommended up to $292,692 subject to

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Whenua: Is it yours?

NZME

$80,500
the
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

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Synopsis
135.  A multi-media interactive map and database which shows how and when land became part of the Pākehā
property system in Aotearoa New Zealand – right down to individual properties.
General Assessment
136.  The aim of this project is to make historical Māori land losses tangible and real to many New Zealanders who
have not previously understood the issue. It is hoped this will promote more informed debate on the issue of
historical Māori land claims.
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137.  The project points to the fact that close to three quarters of the North Island and the vast majority of the
South Island was taken from Māori through confiscation and inequitable purchases between 1840 and 1939.
NZME believes providing New Zealanders with the opportunity to understand the magnitude and process of
land unfairly or cheaply lost by Māori will create a better understanding of the economic, social and cultural
devastation which these land losses caused for Māori, which has translated directly into today’s over-
representation in negative statistics such as poverty, crime and incarceration.
138.  This project will develop a database using complex information from Treaty settlements, visualised as an
interactive map of New Zealand. Over time this will allow the viewer to click on any location and see when Act
and how the land there became part of the Pākehā property system. NZME says ultimately the database
could be made open source for updates from citizen journalists, subject to appropriate checks and balances.
This would create a vital resource of future historical record that could inform the ongoing settlement
process and even our education system.
139.  The interactive map will be accompanied by a series of long and short-form videos, case studies, features
and news stories providing context to the information presented. The application outlines a five-day plan to
roll out the map and stories around it.
140.  NZME says it will collaborate throughout the project with
to
ensure its Te Tiriti commitment embodied in its Ngā Mātāpono (The Principles) strategy is followed.
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141.

142.

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Staff Opinion
143.
it intends to be based on factual data, the risks posed do sit
squarely within the remit of public interest journalism to ensure New Zealanders are better informed about
the
our history and the ongoing impacts of colonisation. The application addresses the issue of safety for
participants and staff with plans in place to mitigate overtly negative reactions.
144.

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145.  This application references the role of the Kaupapa Māori Editor which has been submitted into this round
as a Targeted Role funding application (agenda item 2.11). The proposal states that this role would work
closely alongside the NZME Head of Cultural Partnerships to ensure Māori perspectives are at the forefront
of editorial decisions from the outset of the project. The Kaupapa Māori Editor role is currently being
recommended for funding subject to

146.

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147.  This project captured the imaginations of all assessors who were universally in favour of it. It is an audacious
initiative using innovative cutting-edge visualisation to tell an important story - delivering strong public
interest journalism and demonstrating a clear commitment to Te Tiriti. Its ability to stand as a resource for
all to use for many years to come makes it a particularly compelling case for public funding. Funding is
recommended up to $80,500 subject to



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Charity Sector Investigation

BusinessDesk

$154,020
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
Information
148.  BusinessDesk is applying for funding for an in-depth investigation into New Zealand’s $18b charity sector,
with particular focus on how effective charities are and whether charitable status is being abused.
General Assessment
149.  BusinessDesk is currently producing ‘How Good is our Public Service’ with $174,092 funding from the PIJF
and this is scheduled to launch in November 2021. BusinessDesk also received PIJF funding of $191,000 for a
cadetship programme.
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150.

the
151.  According to this application, Aotearoa’s charity sector is worth more than $18b a year, including nearly $2b
of cash donations by New Zealanders. It says more than half of all New Zealanders donate either money or
time to charity. This investigation will set out to answer how effective the charity sector is and whether
charitable status is being abused.
152.  There are a wide range of story angles proposed, including the regulation of charities, fundraising methods
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for example as cheques are phased out, legacies and bequests as baby boomers age, how the biggest
charities in NZ spend every dollar, different cultural approaches to charity etc.
153.  Content will include at least 30 written stories, along with imagery and interactive graphics, similar to the
public service investigation and all content will sit in front of the BusinessDesk paywall.

154.

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Staff Opinion
155.  BusinessDesk is a journalist-owned outlet, and the assessors see it as having a proven track record on public
interest journalism
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156.  Some assessors noted that investigations of this nature have in the past unduly targeted Māori
organisations, however staff saw no evidence of this in feedback discussions with the applicant and has
confidence in BusinessDesk’s reputation of maintaining the highest standards of journalistic fairness,
accuracy and balance.
157.  Assessors believe - given the billions of dollars New Zealanders donate every year - this is a topic that will
likely have relevancy for many could have an impact on where they choose to donate their money in future.
The charity sector forms part of a functioning society, and therefore an investigation on it was seen by the
assessors as fitting the public interest journalism definition. Assessors noted the deep research required for Act
this type of journalism as being research the applicant has not been able to resource on its own. Funding up
to $154,020 is recommended subject to

Exploring Aotearoa’s Chinese Communities
North & South

$25,000
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
Information
158.  North & South seeks project funding for a series of 4-6 magazine articles exploring different facets of Chinese
communities in New Zealand.
159.  Outputs are 4-6 magazine feature articles

General Assessment
160.  The project fills a gap in coverage of Chinese issues that exists because of various sensitive socio-political
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factors. These include the lack of language skills for the few reporters who cover the Chinese community
within mainstream publications and the lack of time and trust necessary to build relationships with sources,
especially in contexts where external political interference or retaliation is a possibility.
the
161.  In recent years, concerns have grown about the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to exert pressure on
politicians, Chinese Kiwis, and Chinese language media in Aotearoa. North & South argues that this project
will deliver well-informed journalism in a media environment that has not been able to provide the nuanced
and thorough perspective needed to properly cover the Chinese community in New Zealand.
162.

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Staff Opinion
163.  Assessors acknowledged that Chinese NZ audiences are underserved and hard to reach, factors which are
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exacerbated by the lack of accurate and trustworthy reporting about Chinese experiences in Aotearoa.
164.  Although this project is targeted at a general audience, staff felt that there was a significant benefit to the
public at large to have well-researched investigative pieces that represent the diversity and complexities
within the Chinese-Kiwi community and would likely reach this targeted audience alongside its broad reach.
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165.  Assessors felt North & South had a proven track record of PIJ and had the capability to execute this
investigative project to a high standard.
166.  Assessors thought it was important that North & South had sourced a Chinese-Kiwi journalist to undertake
the interviews, research, and writing.
is experienced and speaks Mandarin and Cantonese fluently,
all of which would be hugely advantageous for this project.
167.  One assessor noted that, “investigative long-form pieces about Chinese Kiwis are over-due and highly
important in the climate of coronavirus and NZ's political relationship with China. This proposal is led by a
Chinese-Kiwi journalist who wil  be able to provide the necessary cultural and linguistic expertise to do these Act
topics justice”. Funding is recommended up to $25,000, subject to

Climate Change Interview Series

Newsroom NZ Ltd

$40,000
Key Personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
Information
168.  Newsroom is applying for funding for a 10-part interview series (video, podcasts, and text) in which

would speak to a range of people about how NZ will move to a low carbon future.
General Assessment
169.  Newsroom has been a noted provider of quality public interest journalism since it began in 2017. It is headed
by very experienced journalists and is committed to uncovering stories the mainstream media does not. Its
application lays out a clear commitment to PIJ and to Te Tiriti, particularly by consulting Māori and
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amplifying Māori voices.
170.  Newsroom has received funding from the Public Interest Journalism Fund in the previous two rounds and
the
has also applied in this round for funding for Newsroom Investigates and for two targeted roles. Both project
applications, and one Targeted Role request are currently recommended for funding.
171.
is one of New Zealand’s leading climate change journalists and analysts.

172.  This project would consist of 10 video interviews of at least 12’, accompanied by podcast audio versions and
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written articles.
They would be published in front
of Newsroom’s paywall and all content would be made available to

173.  Interviewees would include sector leaders from transport, farming, energy, iwi, education, forestry, and
tourism. and would look at innovative solutions for moving to a net zero economy.
174.

Staff Opinion
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175.  While climate change is a topic that has been well traversed in our media, this series should stand out due to
specific knowledge of the topic. One assessor described
as “one of Aotearoa’s most
respected journalists”
The project is also taking an
original approach, looking past the debate over the causes and extent of climate change, and setting aside
the potentially catastrophic effects, to look at practical solutions.
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176.  As the application notes, climate change is the story of a generation, and how it is reported and analysed will
be crucial to public understanding and acceptance of changes that wil  need to occur. The issue is of huge
public interest, particularly with a younger audience.
177.  The budget is reasonable for the projected outputs. Assessors believe climate change is a topic that the
media must not shy away from, and this project wil  contribute to public awareness and informed debate.
Funding up to $40,000 is recommended.

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Miria te Pounamu
Māori Television Service        Requested

Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
178.  A series of on-the-job training wānanga to increase and enhance the goals and professional development of
Māori Television newsroom staff in bilingual and digital journalism.
General Assessment
179.  The name of this project comes from the saying ‘mira te pounamu, pīata ana’, - polish the greenstone so it
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gleams, and so this proposal seeks to enhance the capability of Māori Television’s journalists in bilingual and
online journalism.
180.

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181.

Miria Te Pounamu will help improve the access New Zealand
the
audiences have to Māori content.

182.  This proposal is to provide a series of on-the-job professional development wānanga for the current
journalist staff with  other MTS staff also benefiting from specialist courses that relate to their work.
Specialist trainers would be brought in for six wānanga outlined in the application covering subjects such as
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media law, digital first approach to news, interview skills in Māori and English, bilingual journalism, video
journalism and editing and te reo Māori.
183.  The wānanga would be organised and developed by a project co-ordinator who would develop and manage
the training framework, training events calendar and integration into other developmental activities and
programmes such as the PIJF funded Te Rito programme (which is focused on cadets).
184.

Staff Opinion
185.  Staff notes that this application has a strong Industry Development bent, which was a strand of funding not
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available in this PIJF Round. However, the Round 3 guidelines allowed for ‘Projects demonstrating defined
outputs and targets that support the professional development and upskil ing of newsroom staff’ and stated
that there would be an expectation that these resources will be made available across the sector and to local
journalism education providers.

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186.  Assessors were strongly in favour of supporting this

this project truly spoke to the intention of this round to lift
and improve the quality of New Zealand journalism.
187.  The project request was for two years however the round criteria only provides funding for one year. Staff
spoke with
at Māori Television to discuss the implications of this and whether the project
funded for one year would be doable and
agreed that it would be. Funding is recommended for up
$189,200 subject to

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Allied Press Group

Allied Press Group
  $61,725
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
Information
188.  Training project to address deficits in existing staff’s cultural competency, particularly with regard to Māori.
This project wil  operate in conjunction with the appointment of a Partnership Editor with two
complementary parts - training and commissioning of content.
General Assessment
189.  Allied Press is proposing to set up a training and commissioning project to address deficits in terms of its
existing staff cultural competency and ability to engage with diverse communities, particularly Māori. The
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project would operate in conjunction with the appointment of a PIJF funded Partnership Editor also applied
for in this round and currently recommended for funding.
190.  The project would operate in two parts, the first involving workshops for staff across a range of cultural
the
competency issues and the second, the commissioning of a series of articles by Māori writers to directly
address existing shortcomings.
191.  The project meets the criteria of Round 3 to increase the quality of public interest journalism as well as
create defined content outputs from the project, and marks a completely new chapter in the relationship
between Al ied Press and tangata whenua.
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192.

193.

194.  An indicative training plan outlines five workshops in Dunedin, and one session each in Queenstown,
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Invercargill, Mid-Canterbury, and The West Coast.
195.

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196.  Among the measures of success for the project will be a growing diversity of stories across Al ied Press
platforms, a minimum of six long-form pieces of journalism by Māori writers, completed training modules for
staff on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo, tikanga, kawa and unconscious bias and the appropriate use of te reo and
macrons in copy, and pronunciation in video stories.
Staff Opinion
197.  Similar to para 185 above, staff notes that this application has a strong Industry Development bent, which
was a strand of funding not available in this PIJF Round. However, as per the application above, this project
does fit the guidelines for ‘Projects demonstrating defined outputs and targets that support the professional Act
development and upskil ing of newsroom staff’. If funded

198.

199.  Staff believes the Partnership Editor Role requires the support of this supplementary training project to
ensure success and the impacts of both the role and this project will be considerable on the quality of public
interest journalism produced by Allied as a result.
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200.  Staff notes that Allied Press is one of only a few media organisations who have taken up the PIJF’s
encouragement within its guidelines to provide Te Tiriti education and training for staff.
201.  This is a thorough application which meets the criteria of the round and will make a lasting difference to
diversity reporting in much of the South Island where Allied Press controls a large number of publications.
Funding is recommended up to $61,725 subject to

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ATTACHMENTS
the
Annex A: Shortlisted proposals recommended for decline at full proposal stage
Annex B: All Project proposals and funding decisions

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