Ko wai kei te kawe i ngā kōrero Māori i te tau 2026?

Why This Matters

In 2026, the landscape of Māori news in Aotearoa New Zealand is more diverse and dynamic than ever. From long-standing public broadcasters to digital-first startups, the outlets covering te ao Māori (the Māori world) play a crucial role in shaping how Māori stories are told, who gets to tell them, and how they are received by audiences both in New Zealand and abroad.

For journalists, understanding this media ecosystem is essential. It provides context for how stories are framed, highlights gaps in coverage, and offers opportunities for collaboration. For readers, it offers a roadmap to the sources that can provide trusted, in-depth, and culturally grounded perspectives on Māori issues.

At Tārake, we monitor and analyse the work of these outlets daily. This guide is based on our first-hand experience as both consumers and contributors to the Māori media landscape. It profiles the key players, their editorial stances, their language use, and their ownership structures—all factors that influence the news they produce.

The Evolution of Māori Media

Māori media has come a long way since the first Māori-language newspapers were published in the 19th century. The modern era of Māori media began in the 1980s, with the establishment of iwi radio stations and the launch of Māori Television in 2004. Today, Māori media is a vibrant and multifaceted sector that includes television, radio, print, and digital platforms.

Key Milestones in Māori Media:

• 1842: The first Māori-language newspaper, Te Karere o Puketutu, is published.

• 1980s: The first iwi radio stations are established, including Te Reo o Aotearoa (1982) and Waatea News (1990).

• 2004: Māori Television (now Whakaata Māori) launches, providing a national platform for Māori stories and te reo Māori.

• 2010s: Digital Māori media begins to emerge, with outlets like Te Ao Māori News and Tārake providing online news and analysis.

• 2020s: Māori media expands its reach, with increased collaboration between outlets and a growing focus on investigative journalism and data-driven storytelling.

The Key Players in 2026

Below is a guide to the outlets shaping te ao Māori in 2026. These profiles are based on publicly available information, our own analysis, and interviews with industry insiders.

1. Whakaata Māori (Māori Television)

Type: Free-to-air television, digital Ownership: New Zealand Government (via Te Māngai Pāho, the Māori Broadcast Funding Agency) Language: Primarily te reo Māori, with some English subtitles Audience: National, with a focus on Māori and te reo Māori speakers Editorial Stance: Pro-Māori, with a strong focus on Māori stories, perspectives, and language revival Key Programmes:

• Te Kāea (daily news in te reo Māori)

• Native Affairs (current affairs and investigative journalism)

• Marae (cultural and community stories)

• Waka Huia (documentaries and historical programmes)

Strengths:

• National reach and government funding provide stability and resources.

• Strong commitment to te reo Māori, with most content produced in the language.

• High-quality investigative journalism, particularly on issues affecting Māori communities.

Weaknesses:

• Limited English-language content, which can restrict its appeal to non-Māori audiences.

• Government funding can create perceptions of bias or lack of independence.

Notable 2026 Stories:

• Investigative series on the impact of climate change on Māori communities, including the relocation of coastal marae.

• In-depth coverage of the 2026 Māori seats referendum, exploring the arguments for and against the retention of the seats.

• Documentaries on Māori entrepreneurs and their contributions to New Zealand's economy.

Tārake's Take: Whakaata Māori remains the flagship of Māori television and a vital source of te reo Māori content. Its investigative journalism, in particular, sets a high standard for the industry. However, its reliance on government funding means it must navigate the tension between editorial independence and accountability to its funder.

Link: Whakaata Māori

2. RNZ (Radio New Zealand) – Māori Programming

Type: Public radio, digital Ownership: New Zealand Government (via RNZ) Language: English and te reo Māori Audience: National, with a focus on general news and current affairs Editorial Stance: Public service broadcasting, with a commitment to Māori stories and perspectives Key Programmes:

• Te Ahi Kaa (Māori issues and current affairs)

• Te Manu Toroa (Māori news and analysis)

• Te Reo o te Taitokerau (Northland Māori news)

• Māori news bulletins on RNZ National and RNZ Concert

Strengths:

• Strong reputation for impartial and in-depth journalism.

• National reach and multi-platform distribution (radio, digital, podcasts).

• Dedicated Māori news team with deep expertise in te ao Māori.

Weaknesses:

• Limited te reo Māori content compared to Whakaata Māori.

• Competes for airtime with non-Māori programming, which can limit its focus on Māori issues.

Notable 2026 Stories:

• Coverage of the 2026 general election, with a focus on Māori seats and issues affecting Māori voters.
• Investigative reports on Māori health disparities, including the impact of systemic racism in the healthcare system.
• Features on Māori language revitalisation, including the growth of kura kaupapa (Māori-language schools).

Tārake's Take: RNZ's Māori programming is a cornerstone of public service broadcasting in Aotearoa. Its commitment to impartiality and depth makes it a trusted source for Māori news, particularly for audiences who prefer English-language content. However, its reliance on a general news model means it cannot always provide the same level of cultural context as dedicated Māori media outlets.

Link: RNZ Māori

3. Te Ao Māori News

Type: Digital news, video Ownership: Whakaata Māori (Māori Television) Language: Primarily English, with some te reo Māori Audience: National, with a focus on Māori and general audiences Editorial Stance: Pro-Māori, with a focus on Māori stories and perspectives Key Programmes:

• Daily news updates on teao.maori.nz
• Video reports and documentaries on Māori issues
• Social media content (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)

Strengths:

• Digital-first approach allows for timely and innovative storytelling.
• Strong focus on Māori perspectives and issues.
• Multi-platform distribution (website, social media, Whakaata Māori).

Weaknesses:

• Limited resources compared to larger outlets like RNZ or Whakaata Māori.
• Primarily English-language content may limit its appeal to te reo Māori speakers.

Notable 2026 Stories:

• Live coverage of Māori protests against government policies, including the 2026 co-governance debates.
• Profiles of Māori leaders in business, politics, and the arts.
• Investigative reports on Māori housing crises, including the impact of gentrification on Māori communities.

Tārake's Take: Te Ao Māori News is a vital digital voice in the Māori media landscape. Its agility and focus on Māori perspectives make it a go-to source for breaking news and in-depth analysis. However, its reliance on Whakaata Māori for funding and distribution means it must align with the broader editorial priorities of its parent organisation.

Link: Te Ao Māori News

4. Waatea News

Type: Radio, digital Ownership: Waatea Māori Radio Trust (a collective of iwi and Māori organisations) Language: Primarily English, with some te reo Māori Audience: National, with a focus on Māori and urban

Māori communities Editorial Stance: Independent, with a focus on Māori news and current affairs Key Programmes:

Programmes:

• Waatea 5th Estate (daily news and current affairs)

• Te Toa Takitini (Māori issues and analysis)

• Māori news bulletins on Waatea Radio (AM and FM frequencies)

Strengths:

• Independent ownership allows for editorial freedom and a strong Māori perspective.

• Strong focus on urban Māori communities, which are often overlooked by other outlets.

• Multi-platform distribution (radio, digital, podcasts).

Weaknesses:

• Limited resources compared to larger outlets like RNZ or Whakaata Māori.

• Primarily English-language content may limit its appeal to te reo Māori speakers.

Notable 2026 Stories:

• Investigative reports on Māori gang issues, including the social and economic factors driving gang membership.

• Coverage of Māori education, including the challenges and successes of kura kaupapa and whare wānanga.

• Features on Māori arts and culture, including profiles of emerging Māori artists and performers.

Tārake's Take: Waatea News is a unique and important voice in the Māori media landscape. Its independence and focus on urban Māori communities set it apart from other outlets. However, its limited resources mean it cannot always provide the same depth of coverage as larger organisations.

Link: Waatea News

1. Aukaha

Type: Digital news, opinion, analysis Ownership: Independent (founded by a collective of Māori journalists and academics) Language: English Audience: National, with a focus on Māori and progressive audiences Editorial Stance: Progressive, with a focus on Māori rights, social justice, and Indigenous issues Key Programmes:

• Long-form investigative journalism

• Opinion pieces and analysis on Māori issues

• Podcasts and video content

Strengths:

• Independent and progressive editorial stance allows for bold and critical reporting.

• Strong focus on investigative journalism and in-depth analysis.

• Diverse range of contributors, including Māori journalists, academics, and community leaders.

Weaknesses:

• Limited resources and small team restrict its output.

• Primarily English-language content may limit its appeal to te reo Māori speakers.

Notable 2026 Stories:

• Investigative series on systemic racism in New Zealand's justice system, including the overrepresentation of Māori in prisons.
• Analysis of Māori political representation, including the role of the Māori seats and the Māori Party.
• Opinion pieces on Māori sovereignty and self-determination, including the debates around co-governance.

Tārake's Take: Aukaha is a relatively new but influential player in the Māori media landscape. Its focus on investigative journalism and progressive analysis fills a gap left by more traditional outlets. However, its small size means it cannot always provide the same breadth of coverage as larger organisations.

Link: Aukaha

6. Tārake

Type: Digital news, analysis, daily bulletin Ownership: Independent (founded by Vincent Olsen-Reeder) Language: English and te reo Māori Audience: National, with a focus on Māori and general audiences interested in in-depth analysis Editorial Stance: Independent, with a focus on Māori news, analysis, and cultural context Key Programmes:

• Daily bulletin summarising Māori news and analysis
• Long-form investigative journalism and feature stories
• Opinion pieces and analysis on Māori issues
• Resource guides and educational content on te ao Māori

Strengths:

• Independent ownership allows for editorial freedom and a strong focus on Māori perspectives.
• Daily bulletin provides a comprehensive and curated overview of Māori news.
• Strong commitment to cultural context and accuracy in reporting.

Weaknesses:

• Limited resources and small team restrict its output.
• Relatively new, so its audience and reach are still growing.

Notable 2026 Stories:

• Investigative reports on Māori media ownership and funding, including the impact of government policies on Māori media independence.
• Analysis of Māori economic development, including the role of iwi in New Zealand's economy.
• Features on Māori language revitalisation, including the growth of te reo Māori in media and education.

Tārake's Take: As the publisher of this guide, we believe Tārake offers a unique perspective on Māori news and analysis. Our independence, daily bulletin, and commitment to cultural context set us apart from other outlets. However, we are always striving to improve and expand our coverage, and we welcome feedback from our readers.

Link: Tārake

Comparison Table: Māori Media Outlets in 2026

Editorial Stances and Language Use

The editorial stances and language use of Māori media outlets vary widely, reflecting their ownership, funding sources, and target audiences. Below is a breakdown of how these factors influence their coverage:

1. Pro-Māori vs. Public Service

• Pro-Māori Outlets (Whakaata Māori, Te Ao Māori News, Waatea News, Aukaha, Tārake): These outlets have a strong focus on Māori stories, perspectives, and issues. They often advocate for Māori rights and interests and may take a critical stance on government policies or mainstream media coverage of Māori issues.

• Public Service Outlets (RNZ Māori): These outlets aim to provide impartial and balanced coverage of Māori issues, in line with their public service broadcasting mandate. They may be less likely to take a strong advocacy stance but still prioritise Māori voices and perspectives.

2. Language Use

• te reo Māori-First (Whakaata Māori): These outlets prioritise te reo Māori in their content, with English subtitles or translations provided. Their audience is primarily te reo Māori speakers or those learning the language.

• Bilingual (RNZ Māori): These outlets produce content in both te reo Māori and English, catering to a broader audience. They may use te reo Māori in certain programmes or segments but primarily operate in English.

• English-First (Te Ao Māori News, Waatea News, Aukaha, Tārake): These outlets primarily produce content in English but may include te reo Māori terms, phrases, or segments. Their audience is primarily English-speaking but with an interest in Māori issues.

3. Ownership and Funding

• Government-Funded (Whakaata Māori, RNZ Māori): These outlets receive funding from the New Zealand government, either directly or through agencies like Te Māngai Pāho. While this funding provides stability, it can also create perceptions of bias or lack of independence.

• Independent (Waatea News, Aukaha, Tārake): These outlets are independently owned and funded, which allows for greater editorial freedom but also creates financial challenges. They may rely on a mix of revenue streams, including advertising, sponsorships, and reader donations.

How These Outlets Shape Te Ao Māori

The outlets profiled above play a crucial role in shaping how Māori stories are told and how they are received by audiences. Here are some of the ways they influence te ao Māori:

1. Setting the Agenda: By choosing which stories to cover and how to frame them, these outlets help set the agenda for Māori news. For example, Whakaata Māori's investigative series on climate change and Māori communities brought national attention to an issue that had previously received limited coverage.

2. Providing Cultural Context: Māori media outlets often provide cultural context that is missing from mainstream media. For example, Tārake's analysis of the 2026 Māori seats referendum included explanations of the historical and cultural significance of the seats, which helped audiences understand the debates and arguments.

3. Amplifying Māori Voices: These outlets amplify Māori voices and perspectives, ensuring that Māori are not just the subjects of news stories but also the storytellers. For example, RNZ's Te Ahi Kaa programme features in-depth interviews with Māori leaders, experts, and community members, providing a platform for their views and experiences.

4. Holding Power to Account: Investigative journalism from outlets like Aukaha and Te Ao Māori News holds power to account on issues affecting Māori communities. For example, Aukaha's series on systemic racism in the justice system exposed flaws in the system and sparked national conversations about reform.

5. Promoting te reo Māori: Outlets like Whakaata Māori and RNZ Māori play a vital role in promoting and normalising the use of te reo Māori. By producing content in the language, they help to revitalise it and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

Challenges Facing Māori Media in 2026

Despite their vital role, Māori media outlets face a range of challenges in 2026. These include:

1. Funding: Many Māori media outlets rely on government funding, which can be unstable or come with strings attached. Independent outlets face financial challenges and may struggle to sustain their operations.

2. Audience Reach: While Māori media has a dedicated audience, it often struggles to reach non-Māori audiences. This can limit its influence and impact, particularly on national debates and policies.

3. Competition: Māori media outlets compete not only with each other but also with mainstream media for audience attention and advertising revenue. This can make it difficult to invest in high-quality journalism and innovative storytelling.

4. Talent Retention: Māori media outlets often struggle to retain talented journalists and producers, who may be lured away by higher salaries or more prestigious roles in mainstream media.

5. Technological Change: The shift to digital media has created opportunities for Māori media, but it has also brought challenges, such as the need to invest in new technologies and platforms.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for collaboration and growth in the Māori media sector. For example:

1. Partnerships: Māori media outlets can partner with each other to share resources, content, and audiences. For example, Whakaata Māori and Te Ao Māori News already have a close relationship, with Te Ao Māori News providing digital content for Whakaata Māori's television programmes.

2. Mainstream Media Collaboration: Māori media outlets can collaborate with mainstream media to provide cultural context and Māori perspectives on national stories. For example, RNZ and Tārake have partnered on investigative projects, with Tārake providing Māori analysis and RNZ providing national reach.

3. Audience Development: Māori media outlets can invest in audience development strategies to reach new audiences, both in New Zealand and abroad. This could include expanding their digital presence, developing new formats (such as podcasts or newsletters), and engaging with audiences on social media.

4. Training and Development: Māori media outlets can work together to provide training and development opportunities for emerging Māori journalists. This could include mentorship programmes, workshops, and internships.

How Tārake Fits In

At Tārake, we see ourselves as a complement to the other outlets in the Māori media landscape. Our focus on daily bulletins, in-depth analysis, and cultural context allows us to provide a unique perspective on Māori news. We also aim to bridge the gap between Māori and mainstream media by providing content that is accessible to both Māori and non-Māori audiences.

Our daily bulletin is a key part of our offering. It provides a curated overview of Māori news, analysis, and cultural context, making it easy for readers to stay informed about the issues that matter to Māori communities. We also produce long-form investigative journalism and feature stories that delve deeper into the issues shaping te ao Māori.

In addition to our news coverage, we provide resource guides and educational content on te ao Māori. These include guides on Māori culture, language, and history, as well as practical resources for journalists and newsrooms. Our goal is to make Māori news and analysis more accessible and to help our readers understand the cultural context behind the stories.

Further Reading on Tārake

• The State of Māori Media in 2026: A Tārake Analysis

• How Tārake Sources Its Stories: Our Editorial Process

• Interview: The Founders of Aukaha on Independent Māori Journalism

• Māori Media and the 2026 Election: Who's Covering What