The loss of 27 kaimahi.
The New Zealand Government has announced the closure of Whakaata Māori, a prominent Māori media outlet that has been broadcasting its daily news bulletin for 20 years. The decision has sparked widespread condemnation from politicians and community leaders who claim it is a setback for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice and the revitalisation of te reo Māori.
According to Hūhana Lyndon, Green Party's Media and Communications spokesperson, the closure is a "devastating day" for Māori media and a regression for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice under this Government. Lyndon argues that Whakaata Māori has provided a platform for Māori stories to be told by Māori, contributing significantly to how Māori perceive themselves and the world's perception of Māori.
The Green Party is calling on Ministers Tama Potaka and Paul Goldsmith to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by supporting Whakaata Māori. Lyndon also suggested that adequate long-term funding could be committed to ensure Whakaata Māori remains independent and financially secure. The Government's decision has left many in the community questioning its commitment to upholding its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.