Whakaata Māori Kaihautū, Shane Taurima, says the strategic shift taking place on 20 June isn’t just a name change.  

“This is a deliberate step forward in our digital evolution that puts our people and our stories at the centre.  

“By uniting our digital platforms under the MĀORI+ banner, we’re creating a stronger presence that reflects who we are, where we’re going, and how we connect with our audiences at home and around the world.”

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All Whakaata Māori social media platforms (excluding LinkedIn) will transition to the new name MĀORI+, creating a consistent, discoverable experience that meets the expectations of today’s digital-first audiences.

Whakaata Māori remains our Pou – the foundation and creative force behind MĀORI+ and Te Ao Māori News. Our commitment to revitalising te reo me ngā tikanga Māori remains, now, and for generations to come.

As we celebrate Matariki and look ahead to the new year, this evolution reflects our ongoing commitment – kia mauriora te reo.  

A MATARIKI RESET: NEW LINEAR SCHEDULE LAUNCHES 20 JUNE

From 20 June, the start of the Māori new year, Whakaata Māori will realign its programming to better reflect the natural rhythms and cycles of te ao Māori – embedding seasonal shifts and cultural concepts into both content curation and scheduling.  

What’s new in our schedule?

Tamariki Time:

6:30–8:30am – Brand-new tamariki content including Mahi Tika Ana!, Binnabannas, Tamariki Haka, Fly My Pepeha, Tākaro Tribe, Tamaiti Tū S3, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Te Reo Māori Front and Centre:

3–6pm daily – A new Rumaki Reo immersion block, mixing content for fluent tamariki, reo learners, and whānau.

Whānau Movie Nights:

We’ve farewelled the Wednesday Movie. Now, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm are whānau movie time!

Saturday Sports:

Regular Hākinakina slot every Saturday afternoon

ENDS

About MĀORI+: MĀORI+ is the digital gateway to te ao Māori – a free streaming app that brings together the best in Māori storytelling, language, news, haka and entertainment. Designed with whānau in mind, the platform is easy to navigate, available across devices, and constantly updated with fresh content. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple store. Watch online at www.maoriplus.co.nz  

About Whakaata Māori: Whakaata Māori is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national indigenous media organisation, dedicated to revitalising and empowering te reo Māori, culture, and identity through storytelling.  Guided by the vision, kia mauriora te reo - a future where te reo Māori is spoken everywhere, every day - Whakaata Māori fosters an environment where the language and its cultural heritage can thrive.