Authors: Dr Ganesh Nana, Fiona Stokes and Adrian Slack

Client:  Maori Television

Date: March 2009

This study was commissioned by Maori Television to estimate their contribution to the New Zealand economy. Maori Television began broadcasting in March 2004 and launched a second channel, Te Reo, in March 2008.

Using a conventional economic impact assessment multiplier approach, the total economic impact of Maori Television and its associated production companies in the year to June 2008 was estimated to be:

• the employment of approximately 570 FTEs
• a contribution to New Zealand’s GDP of $41.2 million.

This total economic impact has grown from the activity seen in the year to June 2004 of the employment of approximately 500 FTEs and a contribution of $25.6 million to New Zealand’s GDP.

These numbers provide a snapshot of the short-term economic impact of the activities of Maori Television and its associated independent producers. However, the activities of Maori Television should also be viewed within a wider context and over a longer-term horizon.
The focus of Maori Television on local content has allowed production companies and independent producers to be creative and clever in their use of language and programming. It has also provided viewers with more opportunities to see themselves and their community.

Maori Television has also given people the opportunity to progress and build a career within the Maori television broadcasting and production industry. It has allowed some people to move into management positions within broadcasting, while others have moved from journalist/researcher roles into producing and directing.

The employment opportunities generated by Maori Television and their commissioning of programmes has created a demand for te reo Maori speaking technicians and production staff. This demand has created positive reasons for young Maori to maintain and revive their language and culture.

BERL Ref#4724