Why Maori Radio?

• Results from Massey University’s last Maori Radio survey show that 53% of the Maori population listen to Maori radio. This translates to approx 279,965 Maori listeners nationwide.
• Maori Radio caters for the whole whanau, providing various functions including community/information, entertainment, and education.
• Of particular importance to many listeners is the broadcast of linguistic features unique to their region; dialect and style, words and proverbs, idioms and phrases.
• A number of stations overlap allowing access to more than one station. The major determining factor in deciding which station listeners in these areas tune into is tribal affiliation.
• The majority of Maori Radio listeners are not fluent in Te Reo Maori. Maori Radio, therefore, caters for a range of competency levels and incorporates programming in both Maori and English.
• Radio personnel identify with their listeners and lifestyles, and are often well known, with local profiles. These factors contribute to stations’ community presence and make them approachable and Maori friendly.
• Stations often broadcast live from local marae, hui, and events. Listeners are kept up-to-date with what’s happening in their tribal area, including essential Maori messages, eg: tangihanga, panui, etc.
• The community function of Maori Radio is acknowledged as a major factor for listeners tuning in. This important communication role is often performed exclusively by Maori radio, and in many areas the station is the biggest Maori communication medium.
• Maori listeners are passionate about their stations. Many consider the stations to be “life lines” that keep them in touch with the Maori world.