Throng

TVNZ's Maori news programme Te Karere is to be rescheduled to be the lead in programme to the 4.30pm news bulletin on TV ONE.

TVNZ Head of Television Jeff Latch told today's Maori Affairs Select Committee that TVNZ had listened to a number of stakeholders who had asked for the first run of Te Karere, which is in its 25th year on air, to be moved from 3.40pm to a more accessible time.

Te Karere's first run was moved last year from 4.30pm to 3.40pm as part of the rescheduling of programmes to make way for the then new 4.30pm news bulletin on TV ONE. As well as continuing with a second play in the mornings, a third play of Te Karere was scheduled at around midnight. As a result of last year's changes Te Karere's weekly average audience against Maori 5+ has increased by 14%.

To further improve its accessibility Te Karere also plays in prime time on advertising free TVNZ 7 and is streamed on TVNZ ondemand.