The late Honourable Parekura Horomia oversaw the creation of Māori Television back in March 2004: March 2013 saw the first reading of the Māori Television Service Amendment Bill that will enable the broadcaster to switch from Analogue to Digital systems.

During its reading MPs from across the House of Representatives acknowledged the commitment and quality of programming and reo Māori Television has broadcast since its inception. The bill will ensure Māori Television is positioned to benefit from the digital switchover.

“The launch of Māori Television nine years ago was a watershed moment for Māori people and indeed all New Zealanders,” said Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples.

“Māori TV is primarily a vehicle through which our language and cultural revitalisation goals can be supported, but it has also transformed the media landscape in this country.”

The digital switchover takes place on the 1st December 2013 and Dr Sharples said it was important to ensure the Māori Television Service could access the digital spectrum and continue their crucial work broadcasting our reo and our stories across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Bill will also transfer spectrum management rights from the Crown to Te Pūtahi Paoho, the Māori Television Service Electoral College. After the legislation has passed, Te Pūtahi Paoho will issue a national set of spectrum license to Māori Television, covering a twenty year period.

“This will ensure the broadcaster’s current and future needs are met,” said Dr Sharples.

Te Pūtahi Paoho will enter into a Deed of Agreement with the Crown over the terms and conditions of use and management of the spectrum, which will include specific provisions regarding the promotion of Māori language and culture. It will also outline circumstances under which Te Pūtahi Paoho would be required to return the spectrum management rights to the Crown.

What is Digital TV?

It’s a new way of receiving your TV signal. Digital signals carry more information than the old Analogue network, delivering better picture and sound quality. It lets broadcasters offer more channels and services like on screen TV guides.

What is the Digital switchover about?

New Zealand’s old Analogue television network system will be progressively switched off and replaced with a Digital signal between September 2012 and November 2013.

Why switch to Digital now?

Switching to a digital network will free up the radio spectrum in the 700MHZ range which is ideal for next generation mobile telecommunication services: it will support economic development by offering faster, cheaper broadband services. Studies indicate around 70 per cent of Kiwis have already gone digital.

Can I switch to Digital now?

Digital TV is already available nationwide, if you haven’t already you need to consider how you want to watch TV once your area has gone digital. Most Kiwi homes have the option of watching digital TV using a UHF rooftop aerial. If you live in an area without this option you’ll need a satellite service such as Freeview satellite or SKY. Homes in Wellington and Christchurch may also have the option of watching digital TV via cable.