Successful applicants announced for Moana Reo

Successful Projects announced for inaugural Moana Reo Media Fund

Pacific Media Network and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples are proud to announce the successful applicants of the first round of the Moana Reo Media Fund, to support media projects in Pacific languages in Aotearoa.

The Fund opened on 26 August to encourage ideas that utilised and embraced Pacific languages across a variety of platforms. The Fund also aims to build the skills, capabilities and experience of young Pacific creatives.

16 applications have been offered funding of $1.1 million across the three categories, covering 10 Pacific languages and multiple media formats. 70% of the projects also involve strong leadership or involvement of young Pacific creatives. There were a total of 247 eligible applications with a total of $20.7 million requested.

The successful applicants are:

Polōketi fakailoga - Signature Project

• Digital Traditions: Pasifika In the Social Media Age by Nine Islands Media

Ma e tau fuata - Youth Audience

• Pikipiki Hama Kae Vaevae Manava Vodcast Project by Kau Fefine Fakana'ana'a Trust

• Pacific Language Weeks Video Journals 2025 by Poporazzi Productions

• Poly Will & Grace by Centre for Pacific Languages

• Nena Penina by SixOneNine Tapui LTD

• Sonic Sands: Shaka in Samoa by Four and Five Films

Porokaramu tukeke - Diverse Projects

• Musika Malie by Island Vibes LTD

• Roots of Resilience by Taro Patch Creative

• Lāuga: Fa'asāmoa vs Hip Hop (4 THA LUMANA’I) by Anonymouz

• Ana's Kitchen by Isoa Kavakimotu & +64 Studios

• Legacy Project: Tau Lologo Niue by Anna Tukuitoga

• Pūlotu by Studio Kiin

• NiuEP (Working title) by Tyrun

• Akama'ara by Nevertheless Trust

• Nena Pou by Rizvan Tu'itahi

• Faletua - The Women Behind the Men by Vaiola Creatives

Pacific Media Network (PMN) CEO Don Mann says the volume of applications speaks strongly to the needs of the community to see more Pacific content.

“We know through our work that Pacific people are calling out for a wider range of Pacific content that is both embedded in language and culture, and can bring us forward into the future. We see the work that we do here at PMN as enablers to nurture Pacific voices and talent, empowering the next wave of media and creative language leaders.

“The assessment team have carefully weighed their decisions to ensure a broad range of projects are supported. While the fund is for a maximum two-year period, our strategic focus is to ensure we continue to enable pathways for content that is founded on language and culture.”

Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says, “ We understand the power of media to share stories in fresh, engaging ways and how vital it is for Pacific youth to see their languages and cultures proudly reflected on screen and through music. Celebrating and uplifting Pacific languages is at the heart of Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ work, and this Fund is a key part of advancing the goals of the Pacific Languages Strategy 2022-2032.”

"It’s also encouraging to see so many projects creating opportunities for young Pacific creatives to gain experience and skills that will set them up for success in this industry and beyond. We look forward to seeing the final media products in 2025.”

The final round of the Moana Reo Media Fund will open mid-2025.

About Pacific Media Network

Pacific Media Network (PMN) is the premier provider of quality Pacific content in New Zealand and the operating arm of The National Pacific Media Trust. PMN provides space for all Pacific People to access, explore, strengthen and celebrate Pacific identity, language and culture and in doing so contributes to resilient, confident, healthy, prosperous, thriving Pacific communities.

Our multi-media offerings include 531pi, Niu FM, PMN News, PMN Cook Islands, PMN Niue, PMN Tonga, PMN Samoa, PMN Fiji, PMN Rotuma, PMN Kiribati, PMN Tokelau, PMN Tuvalu and PMN Solomons.

For more information contact

funding@pmn.co.nz

About the Ministry for Pacific Peoples

The Ministry is the Government’s principal advisor on policies and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

We work across government to coordinate and leverage investment in Pacific priorities, to ensure it addresses need and delivers on outcomes.

Media contact: media@mpp.govt.nz