TG4 and Whakaata Māori have announced the signing of a Relationship Agreement, aimed at fostering a strategic partnership, at the 45th Celtic Media Festival in Cardiff.
Ireland’s TG4 and New Zealand’s Whakaata Māori have signed a Relationship Agreement aimed at fostering a strategic partnership to uphold common values and achieve shared outcomes through the exchange of resources, knowledge, and services. This agreement, signed at the 45th Celtic Media Festival in Cardiff, represents a milestone in enhancing the connection between the Māori and Irish-speaking communities.
Alan Esslemont, TG4’s Director General said: “TG4 was recently honoured to have the Aotearoa/New Zealand Ambassador to Ireland, Trevor Mallard, as a guest at Gradam Ceoil TG4 in Limerick and we are now delighted to strengthen our ties with Whakaata Māori, the Māori television service.”
“Within the history of global colonisation the Irish people have been both the ‘dispossessed’ and the ‘dispossessors’ and I believe that we have much to discover from the experiences and world-view of the Māori people.”
“The parallels are evident to me between te reo Māori and an Ghaeilge, their communities of speakers and their revitalisation efforts. In addition, TG4 and Irish media strategy can learn much from media policies concerning Māori broadcasting and other Aotearoa/ New Zealand media.”
The Relationship Agreement outlines the strategic relationship between Whakaata Māori and TG4, establishing cooperation in content development, co-production, and exchange of strategic information. The key principles underpinning this partnership include:
- Mahi Tahi – Dea-Rún: Acting with integrity and respect.
- Kotahitanga - Meitheal: Collaborative efforts on agreed priorities.
- Kia Pono - Ionracas: Commitment to purpose, principles, and honesty.
The collaboration is expected to achieve the following outcomes:
For TG4:
- Enhance understanding of colonisation and the Māori experience.
- Introduce TG4 staff and viewers to Māori perspectives.
- Strengthen ties between te reo Māori and an Ghaeilge communities.
- Inform TG4’s media strategy with Māori broadcasting insights.
- Deliver engaging content about te ao Māori and Aotearoa.
For Whakaata Māori:
- Create engaging content for all audiences.
- Increase non-Māori understanding of Māori perspectives and tikanga.
- Strengthen Māori identity through media content.
By leveraging each other’s strengths and insights, both parties aim to enrich their respective audiences and foster a deeper connection to their cultural identities.
