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NZ: Creating a fair, balanced and inclusive media future, PMC, 6 September 2007
Review by Qiane Corfield: Mana Magazine
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Pou Kōrero: A journalists’ guide to Māori and current affairs
By Carol Archie
NZ Journalists Training Organisation ISBN 0958205876
It is no secret that the reporting of Māori affairs in this country is at most times, under-represented, un-balanced and in many instances, non-existent. While journalism training schools across the country include Maori affairs reporting in their curriculum, there have been minimal resources to support such teachings.
For the last 20 years or more, those who wanted to venture into Māori reporting sought guidance from Kawe Korero, written by the late journalist and historian Michael King. However times have changed, and with the launch of Māori Television, increasing coverage of major Māori events by mainstream media and increased dialogue about the status of taha Māori stories in Aotearoa, the industry needed a more up-to-date resource.
Pou Kōrero: A Journalists’ Guide to Māori and Current Affairs, written by Carol Archie, was launched in August at AUT University’s Ngā Wai o Horotiu Marae. It aims to replace Kawe Korero as a guide for journalists.
This book is a “must-have” for those in the media, regardless of ethnicity or experience.
With chapters on the Treaty of Waitangi, reporting on Māori occasions, local knowledge and making contacts, Māori media, good practice and rounds, it is full of helpful tips and assistance for anyone who aims to write ethical and balanced reports on Māori affairs. The book also includes a basic pronunciation guide, an excellent Māori vocabulary list for beginners and a CD to aid in using te reo Māori.
Admittedly, my first opinion of Pou Kōrero was one of concern. I was disappointed that the author was not of Māori descent. However, after further reading, I have come to the conclusion that Archie’s Pākehā heritage may be a benefit as it makes the book that much more compelling for journalists of non-Māori heritage.
Archie’s first-hand experiences of taking on the challenges that come with reporting on Māori issues, and her ability to take both a Māori and non-Māori perspective, allows all journalists to relate to the text.
The Treaty of Waitangi chapter starts off as being a condensed version of a Year 13 New Zealand history class. It concisely outlines the articles of the treaty with reports on how it was dishonoured. However the chapter puts the treaty into modern context by discussing Māori “privilege” and outlining the role of the Waitangi Tribunal and the settlement process. This chapter is particularly beneficial for those still getting their head around the treaty document, and it has enough information for journalists to be well-informed in order to report fully on treaty settlements, claims and political discussion.
The chapter on local knowledge and making contacts is another that I found valuable. For many, contacts are the main reason for not reporting on Māori issues. As Archie points out in this chapter, the majority of marae, hapu, iwi, or Māori organsations in your area will have activities and initiatives that will be news worthy; the challenge is to make contact with them. The map at the back of the book showing tribal regions and waka landings comes in as an excellent tool to be used as a starting point for initiating this contact.
My pick of chapters though is the one on good practice. It has excellent practical advice on how to approach Māori stories and how to overcome the difficulties that may be faced while aiming to report a fair and balanced piece on Māori affairs.
This chapter also looks at the very important topic of using the branding “Māori” to label a group of people, when in many cases another label, such as the iwi or organisation, should be used.
Archie advises journalists: “Make conscious choices about your approach to Māori stories and do not be afraid to change when you see the need to do so.”
The idea that “every story can be a Māori story” is echoed throughout Pou Kōrero, and if nothing else, is a point that all journalists should acknowledge.
Archie’s view that the media should do away with Māori rounds is admirable and, if put into action, would benefit media organisations in New Zealand and specialist Māori reporters by enhancing journalists’ knowledge and creating an inclusive media.
“I believe that this country’s journalism is less professional than it should be because we have relied so much on specialists to cover Māori issues,” she says in her introduction.
“This system is unsatisfactory,” she continues in her chapter on rounds.
“It creates the impression that Māori are not part of the whole fabric of our society… this encourages others in the newsroom to disregard potential Māori stories.”
Pou Kōrero’s readability and clear layout make it a great resource for students who are sometimes overwhelmed with dense text books. Each chapter is full of useful information and helpful tips. The advice can be applied to practical situations and is a good starting point for those wanting to learn more about New Zealand’s media history and how we can create a fair, balanced, and inclusive media future.
Qiane Corfield is a Bachelor of Communication Studies graduate from AUT University. She has tutored in cultural affairs reporting at AUT.
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