In 2024, NZ On Air commissioned the Māori Musicians Industry Collective (MMIC) to deliver a review of Māori artists working within the Aotearoa music industry and their experiences with NZ On Air music funding.
This is part of our commitment to providing a more inclusive and responsive funding environment for Māori musicians and was an area identified in Victoria Kelly’s 2023 Review of NZ On Air Music Funding.
The MMIC review, Māori and NZ On Air Music Funding, highlighted both progress and a need for stronger relationships, clearer processes and culturally aligned support. We took these insights on board and have developed a response outlining where we can act now, what’s already in place at NZ On Air and what needs further exploration.
What’s next?
Our response sets out some practical steps: from ensuring clarity of application language through to considering the creation of a potential tangata whenua funding round. We’ll also maintain Māori representation on panels, improve feedback processes and keep evaluating cultural safety in line with our guiding document Te Pae Tata – Rautaki Māori.
Both the review and our response document can be found below.