Whakaata Māori Chair Jamie Tuuta acknowledged Shane's contributionduring a period of considerable change for the organisation.

“Over almost eight years, Shane has led Whakaata Māori with a clearfocus on our people and the kaupapa we are here to serve,” Jamie said.

“During that time, Whakaata Māori has become a financially stronger,digital-first Indigenous media organisation. More people are consuming ourcontent than ever before, and we better understand the impact our mahi ishaving and how we can make an even greater difference for te reo me ngā tikangaMāori, whānau and our communities.

“That progress has been collective. Our team has carried the mahi whilecontinuing to deliver for our audiences and kaupapa.”

Jamie said Whakaata Māori had a clear direction and an ambitiousprogramme of mahi ahead.

“he Government has committed $8 million over three years through Budget2026 to accelerate our digital development, and work is already underway todesign the next phase of the organisation.

“The next Kaihautū will inherit strong foundations and have theopportunity to work with the Board and our team to shape what comes next.”

Shane said leading Whakaata Māori had been the greatest privilege of hisexecutive career.

“Everything we have done has ultimately been in service of the samekaupapa: kia mauriora te reo,” Shane said.

“Tū Ātea presented a rare opportunity to take what I have learned andmake my next contribution through another nationally significant kaupapa Māoriorganisation.

“Whakaata Māori and Tū Ātea have different responsibilities, but bothgrew from generations of Māori advocacy for our taonga and our right todetermine our own future. I see them as different branches of the same rākau(tree), nourished by the same pakiaka (roots): our whakapapa and aspirationsfor mana motuhake and tino rangatiratanga.

“The branch is different. The pakiaka are the same.”

Shane said there was important mahi to complete before he finishes atthe end of the year.

“I remain fully committed as Kaihautū and focused on delivering for ourpeople, our audiences and our kaupapa.”

The Board will begin recruitment for the next Kaihautū immediately.

“Leadership will change. The kaupapa endures,” Jamie said.

ENDS

Media enquiries

Erana Karauti
Tumu Whakapā | Head of Comms & Engagement
Whakaata Māori
Mobile: 022 470 2402
Email: Erana.karauti@whakaatamaori.co.nz

Notes

Shane Taurima joined Whakaata Māori as Deputy Chief Executive inSeptember 2018 and was appointed Acting Chief Executive in December 2018. Hewas permanently appointed Kaihautū in May 2019 and subsequently reappointed fora further five-year term, which was due to conclude in 2029.

Tū Ātea is a Māori-owned technology, telecommunications andinfrastructure group established to steward Māori spectrum assets and advanceMāori participation, influence and prosperity in the digital economy. Itsorigins are grounded in decades of Māori advocacy for rights and interests inradio spectrum, and it now operates across spectrum, telecommunications,digital infrastructure and technology.

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About MĀORI+
MĀORI+ is the digital gateway to te ao Māori, connecting whānau with reo-richstorytelling, news, kapa haka and entertainment across devices. Free to streamat maoriplus.co.nz. Download MĀORI+ from the app store.

About Whakaata Māori
Whakaata Māori is the national indigenous media organisation of Aotearoa. Weare the waka carrying te reo Māori and Māori storytelling forward,strengthening identity, belonging and cultural confidence across the motu. Formore visit whakaatamaori.co.nz.