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TVNZ realigns Maori, Pacific production

New Zealand pubcaster TVNZ is inviting indie producers to take on production of all its Maori and Pacific programmes from next year, with the exception of flagship news and current affairs.

TVNZ CEO Kevin Kenrick said the move would align Maori and Pacific programmes such as Marae, Waka Huia, Fresh and Tagata Pasifika with other locally commissioned productions and create an attractive opportunity for the country’s independent production community.

“We remain fully committed to reflecting New Zealand’s unique cultural identity and diversity on screen and we respect our special role under legislation to do so,” Kenrick said. “The obligation is set, our commitment remains. What we want to do is to step aside from the in-house production of these programmes.

“What we’re proposing is something we’re already doing widely across our local commissions. For some years now we’ve been moving away from internal production of non-news programming and partnering with external programme producers.”

Kenrick said the move would create a competitive environment that “stimulated freshness and a new creative edge with no loss of quality” and would help streamline the business.

TVNZ’s strategy is not too dissimilar to recent developments in the UK, where the BBC’s existing production quotas are set to be torn up and its in-house department potentially allowed to pitch shows to rival broadcasters.

Kenrick said current affairs show Te Karere would remain in-house because “daily newsgathering is a centre of excellence for TVNZ and has a unique production process.”

NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho funding for these programmes is expected to be allocated annually as normal. The pubcaster said initiating discussions now would give it time to work with funders and potential production partners to gear up for next year.

“Maori and Pacific programming at TVNZ has a very long and proud history, and fosters many very talented people. Our intention would be to encourage external production companies to take on those who currently work for us so they can benefit from our people’s expertise,” added Kenrick.

Discussions about the likely changes begin today.

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