Government Invests $48M to Boost Te Reo Māori Broadcasting and Culture

The Government is investing in te reo Māori by strengthening Māori broadcasting and supporting Māori cultural and creative capability, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

Budget 2026 sets aside $48 million over the next four years to support the long-term sustainability of Māori broadcasting by helping Māori media organisations adapt to a changing digital environment, commission new te reo Māori content, develop talent and strengthen their capability.

The Budget also supports Te Māori Tū through $10 million of reprioritised funding, recognising growing international interest in Māori culture, creativity, and storytelling, and creating new opportunities for Māori artists, creatives, businesses, and exporters.

Te Māori Tū builds on the legacy of historic Te Māori exhibition by supporting Māori cultural and creative capability internationally It reflects how culture and commerce can work together to distinguish New Zealand on the global stage, creating a unique point of difference that supports economic growth and broader opportunities for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Alongside Budget 2026 investments in schools to support Māori medium teaching, these initiatives support te reo Māori which is one of the great taonga of this country, Tama Potaka says.

Our language connects us to our history, our identity, our whenua, and to one another.

Budget 2026 invests in ensuring te reo Māori remains strong, visible and enduring for future generations.

The investment in Māori broadcasting focuses on supporting the people and organisations already doing the work to grow te reo Māori and connect with audiences in modern and evolving ways.

Māori broadcasting and storytelling play an important role in strengthening cultural confidence, creating opportunities across Māori creative industries, and sharing uniquely Māori perspectives with audiences.

Te Māori Tū builds on the legacy of Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust supporting new opportunities for Māori artists, creatives, businesses, and exporters to share Māori culture and creativity with audiences here in Aotearoa and around the world.

Together, these investments support Māori language, cultural storytelling, and creative capability and help create pathways for Māori storytelling, creativity, and cultural connections.