New Zealand Television: Maori Representation

Diversify or die: What New Zealand television can learn from our film industry:

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?

• The problem with ethnic diversity on television is that it is notoriously difficult to quantify. You could have all different colours represented onscreen, but if each one isn't allowed to tell their stories in meaningful ways, the gesture feels superficial and hollow.

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?

• While much progress has already been made, homegrown ethnically-driven shows are still absent from our mainstream prime time. In order to find a TV show that spotlights media representation, you have to go back to 2004-2008's "Bro'town" which used culture as its driving force and had enough network support to be successful and find a place in the common consciousness.
• The thing is, as well as being great for Maori culture, more diversity could also be good for business.

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

• The New Zealand film industry resembles the TV world turned upside down. Instead of avoiding cultural stories, the best films of Maori culture have embraced, explored and celebrated them, all while making a good amount of money.
• Seven of 'The Spinoff's' top ten grossing locally-produced movies are ethnically driven, and the eighth, 'What We Do in the Shadows' has a Maori director Taika Waititi.
• These films are all centered around a minority culture, but would never be considered 'niche'. Addressing racial identity only served to enhance their appeal, with the added bonus of exposing viewers to ideas and experiences they otherwise might never know.
  
  

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

• After sustained pressure from minority groups, US TV networks have been scrambling to make their programming slates more diverse. As a result, shows like Empire, Fresh off the boat, Black-ish, Jane the Virgin and many more have been allowed entry onto the prime time playing field. Empire - with an almost exclusively African-American cast - has been Fox's biggest rating series for three years.
• Over at ABC, 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."
• Even 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 biggest challenges for Maori television shows. Maori programmes are seen as niche viewing, not commercially viable and off-putting to advertisers. It is also really hard to gain sponsorship.
• Additionally, New Zealand has the talent and the stories to support such a shift, but it would mean combating a long-standing, hard-to-budge belief that New Zealand prime time television is not the place for ethnic-centric shows
• "New Zealand mainstream stations often prefer to depict the country as arcadia for both dairy farmers and tourists alike." This stereotypical idea of what New Zealand is, makes it hard for Maori representation to be truly expressed.