Wednesday Work - Representation in NZ "after The Power of Inclusion Summit"

Questions:

1. What was the event being held in NZ and what was its purpose?

• The Power of Inclusion summit
• The summit’s stated intention was to “posit future action to create a more inclusive industry and world”

2. Why was Heperi Mita identified as a significant voice? What did he direct and what did he do?

• Heperi Mita (director of Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen) called out New Zealand’s film industry for its racism, both historical and contemporary, towards Maori

3. Both NZFC and NZ On Air have a strategy for Maori content, what is it?

• NZFC and NZ On Air have a strategy for Maori content, called Te Rautaki Maori
• A range of initiatives was released specifically for Maori, including a Rangatahi Development Fund — grants for initiatives and organisations to run programmes for young Maori creators — and the Te Reo Development Fund for shorts, features and online content

4. What was the concern that Heperi Mita had with the fact that although there was funding, producers were still being hired from big studios to re-tell Maori stories?

• Heperi Mita said, “I get very concerned when I hear about big-budget production companies coming in and adapting traditional Maori stories or stories about Maori families. Although the intention may be good, and advice may be given, advice doesn’t necessarily need to be received. And at the end of the day, it is those that hold the purse strings that have the final authority, and it is exceedingly rare that those people are Maori.”

5. Last year, NZ On Air revamped its roadmaps and added a strand for “newer storytellers”. Explain what progress has been made here?

• Asian and Pasifika New Storytellers initiative under both NZ On Air (for a TV or web series) and the NZ Film Commission (for a Sunday Theatre feature, funded to the tune of $3 million)

6. What are some other important points that have been made as a result of this inclusion summit?

• Harris is planning to gather a committee to form a diversity policy after a national hui, to be presented to the boards of funding bodies.