Budget boost softens blow for Te Māngai Pāho, but funding pressures remain

Te Māngai Pāho welcomes additional injection of $48 million for te reo Māori and cultural capability confirmed today in Budget 2026.

Today’s Budget investment will support Māori broadcasting over the next four years. The purpose of the funding is to help Māori media organisations adapt to a changing digital environment, commission new te reo Māori content, develop talent and strengthen their capability. Te Māngai Pāho awaits further detail on how the funding will be allocated, however we acknowledge that this funding is a clear signal of continued support for te reo Māori. The baseline funding for Te Māngai Pāho for 2026/27 is $50.259 million.

Although Te Māngai Pāho still faces a reduction in funding for 2026/27, this new investment will mitigate the impact of losing $16 million of time-limited funding and will enable continued support for quality te reo Māori content across iwi radio, diverse content, music and industry support initiatives.

“We are grateful for the additional investment into the Māori media ecosystem, and that the outlook for the coming year is significantly brighter than we had been anticipating,” said Larry Parr, Kaihautū of Te Māngai Pāho.

“Te Māngai Pāho welcomes the government’s recognition of the importance of continued investment in Māori media, particularly in a challenging economic environment,” said Parr. “Investment into the revitalisation of te reo Māori is an investment in the identity, culture and future wellbeing of all of Aotearoa New Zealand."

“While we won’t feel the full impact of a 25% funding cut, it does not completely remove the pressure on our baseline funding,” said Parr. “Our focus now will be to work with the sector to ensure every dollar delivers the greatest possible impact for te reo Māori.”