Tagata Pasifika vows to adapt as funding slashed by a third

TVNZ’s flagship Pacific news show Tagata Pasifika is vowing to continue delivering stories for Pacific communities, despite having its funding slashed by more than a third.

In 2024, Tagata Pasifika received $1.91 million in funding from NZ on Air to deliver 51 episodes, each 23 minutes duration, along with two special episodes of 90 minutes.

Next year, the show will only receive $1.25 million to deliver 30 episodes of 23 minutes each, meaning only half the airtime they had in 2024.

The funding decision was confirmed just before the Sunpix Pacific Peoples Award ceremony, where Sunpix Company Director John Utanga said they will continue to deliver.

“Although it might look slightly different next year, but never mind we'll be there.

“We will not resile from telling our stories for our communities, stories like the stories of our award winners tonight."

Tagata Pasifika reporter and presenter John Pulu said there will be some adjustments to the show but it won’t change the quality and authenticity of the production.

“It's been a tough year for local media and despite some of the changes ahead, we are very grateful and counting all our blessings because Tagata Pasifika is still here to serve our community.

In April 2024, Tagata Pasifika celebrated its 37th anniversary

“The show has faced many changes over the 30+ years on air, from playing late at night to early morning and continuing to make the show outside of TVNZ. Our community/viewers have been there and that is what drives us.

“We will continue navigating forward to the new year and beyond.”

Tagata Pasifika crew celebrate their final episode of 2024. Photo/Supplied