March 09, 2015
Native Affairs responds to haka
Native Affairs presenter Mihingarangi Forbes has defended Maori Television’s current affairs programme from an extraordinary on-stage attack at Te Matatini.
Waikato’s Te Iti Kahurangi performed a stinging on-stage criticism of the show for running stories about financial dealings at a Kohanga Reo National Trust subsidiary.
The stories led to ministerial investigations, the departure of the company’s chief executive, and a decision by a national hui the trust governance structure must change.
Leader Kingi Kiriona demanded Maori Television not criticise Maori institutions and stick to positive stories.
Ms Forbes says that would be a disservice to those kohanga reo whanau in Rotorua and Mataatua who came to the programme with their concerns.
" Different groups of people came to us with mamae and riri and they wanted to have their say, so we allowed that on our platform. We didn't take anyone out. We are still waiting for a response from the other side. And I was having a bit of a giggle this morning because I was thinking ' oh maybe that's the kohanga reo's response to us through Te Matatini " she says.
Mihingarangi Forbes says critical stories are better to come from Maori media who understand Maori institutions rather than mainstream media dipping in to the field.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIHINGARANGI FORBES CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjcwMDE=
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