Throng

A high-ranking Maori journalist at TVNZ has left his job presenting current affairs show Marae after the broadcaster announced plans to restructure the show.

Shane Taurima handed in his resignation after TVNZ laid down plans for a re-shuffle in the ranks which would see seven positions lost with the same number re-advertised.

Taurima, who also holds the editor position for TVNZ’s daily news show Te Karere, will step down from his presenting role on Marae but will look to continue his employment at the broadcaster in other forms.

When plans were first suggested, Taurima threatened to quit if another presenter was added to the show, but TVNZ and the show’s financial backer Te Mangai Paho ignored his threats and have shown support for the changes to be made.

A final decision is set to be made in mid-July.

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.