Content delivered through broadcast and screen media: film, radio, television and online interactive media, which includes advertising and the game development industry. Toi Pāho is the sector that creates engaging screen-based moving image and audio content for wide distribution. Of the Toi Mai sectors, this is the largest employer of Māori and coped best through the pandemic.
A strong journalism sector is critical to a healthy democracy. Aotearoa functions best when journalists inform, uncover truths and hold power to account. While the media sector faces significant issues, the journalism workforce also faces its own challenges.
Ngā Awa Kōrero workforce development plan lays the foundation for empowering the journalism sector in Aotearoa, to make it more resilient and sustainable, supported by a diverse and highly skilled workforce.
This plan is the result of sector data analysis, interviews, wider consultation and other engagements with journalists in varied roles and stages of their career from across the motu, and includes recommendations and actions.
Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
This plan is mahi tahi in action.
The research, facilitation, analysis, writing and documentation of this workforce development plan had been completed by the journalism workforce development team at Toi Mai.
Also, thanks to Anton Matthews for his Ngā Awa Kōrero metaphor that brought this plan to life.
But mostly we would like to thank all the people across the motu whose honest and open feedback enabled us to gain compelling insights so that together we can shape a better future for the journalism sector across Aotearoa.
We could also like to acknowledge the time and contribution of the following people:
Brent Edwards, NBR
Jeff Hampton, Ara Institute of Canterbury
James Hollings, Massey University
Anton Matthews (Te Rarawa), Director, Hustle Group
Kathryn McCully, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Jayne Mulligan, Onslow College
Karen Neill, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Sean Plunket, The Platform
Cate Prestidge, Wintec
Raewyn Rasch, NZ on Air
Tara Ross, University of Canterbury
Helen Sissons, AUT
Conan Young, University of Canterbury
Anonymous Journalists
Shakayla Andrews-Alapaki, Tahu News
Paora Crump, Tahu News
Amber Easby, The Spinoff
Laura Franklin, RNZ
Susana Guttenbeil, Pacific Media Network
Mark Jennings, Newsroom
Don Mann, Pacific Media Network
Matt Martel, NZME
Paul McIntyre, Otago Daily Times
Joanna Norris, Stuff
Roihana Nuri, Aukaha News
Phil O’Sullivan, TVNZ
Jane Patterson, RNZ
Debbie Porteous, Otago Daily Times
Jeremy Rees, RNZ
Nevak Rogers, TVNZ
Shane Taurima, Whakaata Māori
Te Wao Nui o Toi conveys industry views on addressing the acute shortage of skilled below-the-line production workers in Toi Pāho: defined for the purposes of the report as the film, television and interactive media industries.
Click here for more information.
Click here for the printable version of the full report.
Finalised in October 2024, Te Waha o Tāne follows the inaugural WDP by Toi Mai, Te Wao Nui o Toi (2023).
While that highlighted the challenges facing the screen industry’s below-the-line workforce (production crew roles), Te Waha o Tāne focuses on the needs of the above-the-line workforce (producers, directors and writers).
Given the interdependence of the above- and below-the-line workforces for success, many of the insights gained through the development of Te Wao Nui o Toi are still relevant for this plan.
Toi Mai offices are closed from midday on Friday 20 December and will reopen on Monday 6 January 2025.
We will not be checking phone messages or emails during this period, however please feel free to leave a message and we will respond when we return in the New Year.
Meri Kirihimete me ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa!
