David Palmer
By email:
[FYI request #25138 email] 14 December 2023
Dear David
Official Information Act request dated 12 December 2023
We refer to your email dated 12 December 2023 requesting information under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) about the use of te reo Māori at TVNZ (the
Request). TVNZ’s response is set out below.
Request 1: What, if any, direction has been provided to TVNZ by the current
government regarding the usage of te reo Māori in broadcasts or news articles?
TVNZ has not received any direction from the current government regarding the
usage of te reo Māori in our broadcasts or news articles. Section 28(1) of the TVNZ
Act prohibits the shareholding Minister, or any other Minister from providing direction
to TVNZ on its programming, newsgathering or content presentation.
Request 2: Have there been any changes to policy regarding the use of te reo Māori
in broadcasts or news articles at TVNZ?
No.
Request 3: Have TVNZ newscasters been given any formal or informal directives on
their use of te reo Māori in broadcasts?
TVNZ does not have a formal directive regarding the usage of te reo Māori in news
and entertainment programming. News presenters and journalists are encouraged to
use both English and te reo Māori in the manner they are most comfortable with.
Guidance is provided to ensure accurate pronunciation. Al TVNZ employees have the
opportunity to attend te reo Māori classes are part of their employment to gain
language skil s. These classes are free of charge and optional.
Programming commissioned by TVNZ is required to provide a cultural integrity
strategy to ensure accurate, authentic and appropriate content. Each external
production’s plan wil be different and dependent on the content. There is no specific
level of te reo Māori required as part of this documentation.
Request 4: Please provide any internal communication or documents regarding the
use of te reo Māori in broadcasts or news articles.
No internal communications or documents regarding the use of te reo Māori in
broadcasts or news articles exist in the timeframe specified.
The attached internal communication and associated document was delivered to the
1News newsroom within this timeframe pertaining to proper pronunciation and
language competency for voice clearance (testing for onscreen readiness).
We trust this response assists with your query. If you are dissatisfied with TVNZ’s
response to your request, section 28 of the Act sets out the circumstances under
which you may seek review or further investigation by the Ombudsman.
Yours sincerely
Official Information Requests Team
TVNZ
