Our approach to audience development focuses on expanding the whānau and Tamariki demographics, increasing engagement with rangatahi, attracting and retaining new users, and fostering innovative audience experiences. Additionally, we prioritise agile curation and scheduling.

Our commissioning team evaluates all submissions and proposals by considering the Te Huapae Outcomes, the concept's quality, the Reo and Tikanga strategy, cost efficiency, audience engagement, company expertise, and its contribution to the schedule.

A comprehensive proposal is a detailed document of the program pitch. It should provide a thorough outline of the program's format and structure. Additionally, it must include a Te Reo Māori plan, a budget, a production timeline, as well as a marketing and distribution strategy.

Whakaata Māori Commissioners will extend a broadcasting commitment to those proposals that are accepted. This document guarantees to the funder that we (the broadcaster) endorse the production and will the content on our various platforms.

All pitches and proposals are to be submitted through the Te Kauhanga Portal.

Over half of Whakaata Māori's (formerly known as Māori Television) programming is commissioned. This means external production companies create television programming on behalf of Whakaata Māori.

These television programmes are made with funding from Te Mangai Paho and New Zealand on Air. Whakaata Māori works in conjunction with the funding agency funding rounds.

Below are the funding rounds for each funding agency. Whakaata Māori will send out a request for proposals. To receive these requests, send an email to proposals@whakaatamaori.co.nz with ‘panui mailer’ in the subject heading.

The funding agencies have their own criteria for determining which programmes they will provide funding support for. These are detailed on the agency websites and in publications such as their annual reports and statement of intent (SOI). A commitment from the broadcaster does not necessarily mean that a programme will be funded by the agency. The funding agency will notify successful applicants very soon, after the Board has made its decision. If the application is successful you will be asked to complete a form, sign a deal memo and execute a contract.

There are different types of contracts, according to what kind of programme you have had funded. It is common to have two contracts. One is a Production Funding Agreement (PFA) with the funder (either Te Māngai Pāho or NZ On Air) and the other is a License to Broadcast Agreement (LBA) with Whakaata Māori. Sometimes there is a single three-way contract between your production company, the funder/s and the broadcaster.

You should allow up to a month (and sometimes longer) for contracting before you can start production.

Tips

• Check what has been funded in that financial year, TMP and NZ On Air will release funding decisions on their website.
  
• Know your market, research what programmes Whakaata Māori have funded, look for a space in the schedule for your concept.

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Below are Whakaata Māori's (formerly known as Māori Television) technical production specifications and production resources.

Below are the delivery requirements for Whakaata Māori (formerly known as Māori Television).