Tuesday Task - Maori Representation in NZ

Questions:

1. What are some of the points this article raises between the difference in how progressive the TV representation of Maori is and the representation of Maori in film?

Although it is hard to be able to share diversity through film, New Zealand has done a good job of being able to represent Maori culture through movies and being able to spread them internationally. This compared to our TV industry doesn't amount. There have been certain shows such as 'Bro Town' which back in the day was a popular show but apart from that New Zealand has been lacking in the TV series area where there are no modern-day shows to represent culture or diversity.   

2. What is an example of the last TV show that really brought Maori representation into the spotlight but that is an older show to reference now?

'Bro ' Town', was a widely known show in New Zealand that went on from 2004-2008, unfortunately, that was about the last TV series to represent Maori culture or ethnic groups.   

3. What are some examples of films that have done well and that focus on telling the stories of ethnic minorities in NZ?

Films that have done well in representing Maori culture are 'Whale rider' and 'Once were warriors'. These films became big especially in New Zealand because it was the truth and depicted what really went on outside of the westernized neighborhoods. People were able to relate more to this content rather than big-budget Hollywood films that are mainly dominated by white people.  

4. Why are US TV networks scrambling to make their programming more diverse?

There was sustained pressure from minority groups for the US to diversify their casting and TV shows. Therefore resulting in shows such as Empire, Fresh off the Boat, Black-ish, and other series that have a majority all-colored cast. They were trying to represent ethnic communities in an extreme way. Former Chief of Entertainment Paul Lee said “When you see shows now that seem to lack diversity, they feel dated. America just doesn’t look like that anymore.”. Academic studies show that ethnic diversity makes good business sense. 

5. What, according to the article is one of the biggest challenges for Maori television shows?

According to broadcaster Stacey Morrison, finding advertiser backing is one of the big challenges for Māori television shows. “Māori programs are seen as niche viewing, not commercially viable and off-putting to advertisers.” Morrison says, “It is really hard to gain sponsorship.”. Accurately representing ethnic groups in New Zealand helps to benefit the country as a whole

• But not everyone agrees, including Richard Pamatatau, a Pacific Journalism expert: “I am not a fan of Bro’town or Sione’s Wedding. I recognise them for what they are – a re-presentation of a slice of a non-white world – but they seem to herd a part of a population and invite the consumer to see all people in that way.”

• We can celebrate movies like Sione’s Wedding and shows like Bro’town, but not all Samoans will see themselves represented in those stories, just as not all Pākehā will see themselves represented in Outrageous Fortune. One movie or TV show does not equal ‘representation’, but it is a starting point.