A review of the Māori Television Service Act 2003 was completed in April 2009. The report on the review was presented to the House of Representatives on 7 May 2009.

Terms of Reference for the review were established by the responsible Ministers (Minister of Māori Affairs and Minister of Finance) in April 2008. These were confirmed in consultation with Te Pūtahi Paoho (Māori Electoral College).

An independent panel was selected to do the review by the former Ministers also in consultation with Te Pūtahi Paoho.

The review considered the Act, not the Māori Television Service. Operational activities of the Māori Television Service including any decisions about programme content or timing and other editorial matters were not part of the review.

The specific topics that the review covered are described in the Terms of Reference. Generally, these were:

• Access. The nature of MTS’s broadcasting platform, the UHF Spectrum Right and the establishment of MTS as a multi-platform broadcaster.
• Focus. The role of MTS in promoting the Māori language and culture.
• Quality. Any aspects that impact on the ability of MTS to provide high quality, cost effective services.

The panel produced a discussion paper to give background about the review. It also contained some questions that they were interested to learn responses to.

Government is currently developing its response to the report. Cabinet is due to consider the Government response later in 2009. If Cabinet agrees to any amendments to the Act, it will then proceed through the normal legislative process. Public submissions will be called for once the bill is referred to the appropriate Select Committee. This is likely to occur in 2010.

If you have any questions about the completed Review email: info@tpk.govt.nz.

Last modified: 7/09/2009