Morena, sending on behalf of Jane the guidance below. If you have questions, please yarn with her. Happy Friday, Glen.

 

Kia ora tātou,

 

This guidance is in the context of the new government and the directive it has given to the public sector about the ongoing use of Māori names. 

 

For the purpose of RNZ's reporting we should be guided primarily by how each agency or department describes itself, and make our own decisions as an independent media organisation.

 

For example, Waka Kotahi is still the principle way it identifies itself and furthermore is a term well known to our audience, so we can continue to use that term, and as has always been the case could use "New Zealand Transport Agency" or "the Transport Agency" in a second or third reference.

 

Te Whatu Ora (New Zealand), Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority), Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) are other examples.

 

There is obviously a stated intention by the new government to scrap Te Aka Whai Ora altogether and disestablish Te Pūkenga, but that aside, we will continue to be guided by the organisations themselves and if they make a change to the way they describe themselves, then we can make our own decisions accordingly.

 

If in doubt or if you have any questions, please refer up.

 

Many thanks,

 

Jane Patterson

Director, Editorial Quality and Training

+64274513511 | [email address]

@janepatterson