Decolonisation in New Zealand Media

One of the ways for Maori people become stronger as a culture, to grow and expand within New Zealand is to express themselves. To talk in within their groups as well as talk out to other cultures that are on New Zealand land. Maori media is all about talking in and talking out. New Zealand media, especially on TV is very focused on programs that will appeal to the majority of the population. Hollywood films, american and english tv shows are focus of New Zealand TV that appeal to the ‘outsiders’ rather than the indigenous. Programs such as Maori TV and Te Reo, focus on content that is much more directed to the Maori audience. Although both are directed at indigenous people, Maori TV has elements that talk out to the wider public while Te Reo only talks in. Maori TV still plays english content to connect with a wider audience as well as spread the world about Te Reo Maori language and culture. Te Reo channel is only focused to talk in. It only uses Te Reo Maori to talk to the indigenous people, it keeps its culture alive is a good foundation for sharing news closely related to Maori culture.

I think it is important for the indigenous media to be speaking in and out. It provides a foundation for the culture communication, for communicating their issues and ideas to the multicultural audience. Keeping the culture alive and more integrated within the media, is a big part of decolonisation. Spreading the world, teaching about language, culture and connection to the land allows all cultures in New Zealand to be more respectful, giving rights and acknowledging culture and cultural events.

Social media and music videos are also a great platform for Maori people to talk in and out. Because social media has such a big reach within our community today, it is only in a matter of seconds that we can share something with the world. Music videos, such as Stan Walker’s ‘Aotearoa’ and Maisey Rika ‘Tangaroa Whakamautai’ both focus on speaking in about their connection to Aotearoa, the spirituality and culture. Their videos are very positive, with a big emphasis on showing the land, the sea and peacefulness. The music itself speaks directly to the indigenous people and it unites them using Te Reo Maori. While the visual side, show interesting elements of the culture, and they tell a beautiful story that speaks out to non Te Reo speakers of different cultures.

Indigenous people want to keep their connection with the land, they want decolonisation and they achieve it using media. Both television as well as social media and sharing music videos online and spreading the word about their connection with Aotearoa and the sea. This teaches people about Te Reo language, Maori community and spirituality, as well as helps Te Reo Maori people become a strong culture.