October 23, 2014
TVNZ to dump Maori staff
Television New Zealand is outsourcing its Maori and Pacific programmes.
Chief executive Kevin Kenrick says it's calling for expressions of interest from independent producers to make programmes like Marae, Waka Huia, Fresh and Tagata Pasifika.
Only nightly news programme Te Karere will still be done in-house.
He says for some years now TVNZ have been moving away from internal production of non-news programming, and the move brings Maori and Pacific programmes in line with that strategy.
It will also create an attractive opportunity for the independent production community while streamlining TVNZ's business.
The programmes are typically funded annually by NZ On Air and Te Mangai Paho, and Mr Kenrick says making the announcement gives time for TVNZ to work with funders and potential production partners to gear up for next year.
TVNZ will encourage external production companies to take on current staff.
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