Equity and Representation Strategy

The Equity and Representation strategy was created by drawing on existing policies, practices and values to articulate our commitment to equity and representation. We also took external advice from the national advocacy group Inclusive Aotearoa.

We want to be a mana-enhancing organisation and that means working hard to ensure all who engage with us feel seen, heard and respected. Moreover, we recognise the unique role NZ On Air plays in building an inclusive society where all New Zealanders feel represented.

Amplifying all the voices of Aotearoa New Zealand is at the heart of our mission, and this Equity and Representation Strategy outlines the goals and actions we will take to ensure we are delivering to that mission.

Aotearoa New Zealand is a multi-cultural nation, built on a bi-cultural foundation. Like a braided river, our diverse streams follow their own paths but are unified by the one river and one future. Braided rivers – He Awa Whiria, are such a distinctive element of the New Zealand landscape that we see them as the perfect way to represent the mahi of NZ On Air, underpinning our vision to have content flowing to serve all audiences as outlined in our foundational document, Te Ipukarea.

This strategy also sits alongside our Rautaki Māori Te Pae Tata.

Equity refers to fairness, impartiality and justice in providing resources, opportunities and treatment to individuals or groups. It involves recognising and addressing the unique needs and circumstances of different people to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to thrive and succeed. Equity acknowledges that individuals may start from different positions due to various factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability and more, and seeks to level the playing field by removing barriers and providing support where needed.

Representation refers to the fair and accurate inclusion or portrayal of individuals from diverse backgrounds in various settings such as media, organisations and decision-making processes. It involves ensuring that people from different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds are adequately represented and have a voice in matters that affect them. In the context of media representation, it means depicting a wide range of identities and experiences in TV shows, movies, music and games, news and advertising without relying on stereotypes or marginalising certain groups. In organisational contexts, representation involves diverse employees, leaders and board members reflecting the diversity of the community or society they serve. In policymaking or governance, representation means seeking the perspectives and needs of all groups when making decisions or creating policies to promote fairness and inclusivity.

The strategy sets out five goals and actions as a funding agency, and three goals and actions as an employer.

We will annually review our progress on the actions listed, and achievements of the goals.

In addition to annual review of progress against the strategy's objectives we regularly undertake research that contributes useful information on equity and representation in the sectors we support. This information can help us target initiatives, particularly in capability building, that ensure barriers to participation are lowered, and the creatives involved in making content reflect the diversity of audiences we serve.