Shane Taurima will step down as kaihautū of Whakaata Māori at the end of this year.
By Taiha Molyneux of RNZ
After leading the broadcaster for almost eight years, Taurima will take up a new role at Tū Atea as pou matua, group chief executive, in February 2027.
Whakaata Māori chair Jamie Tuuta acknowledged the contribution Taurima provided during a period of considerable change for the organisation.
"Shane has led Whakaata Māori with a clear focus on our people and the kaupapa we are here to serve," Tuuta said.
"During that time, Whakaata Māori has become a financially stronger, digital-first Indigenous media organisation. More people are consuming our content than ever before, and we better understand the impact our mahi is having and how we can make an even greater difference for te reo me ngā tikanga Māori, whānau and our communities.
"That progress has been collective. Our team has carried the mahi while continuing to deliver for our audiences and kaupapa."
Tuuta said Whakaata Māori had a clear direction and an ambitious programme of mahi ahead.
"The Government has committed $8 million over three years through Budget 2026 to accelerate our digital development, and work is already underway to design the next phase of the organisation.
"The next kaihautū will inherit strong foundations and have the opportunity to work with the board and our team to shape what comes next."
Taurima said leading Whakaata Māori had been the greatest privilege of his executive career.
"Everything we have done has ultimately been in service of the same kaupapa: kia mauriora te reo," Taurima said.
"Tū Ātea presented a rare opportunity to take what I have learned and make my next contribution through another nationally significant kaupapa Māori organisation.
"Whakaata Māori and Tū Ātea have different responsibilities, but both grew from generations of Māori advocacy for our taonga and our right to determine our own future. I see them as different branches of the same rākau (tree), nourished by the same pakiaka (roots): our whakapapa and aspirations for mana motuhake and tino rangatiratanga.
"The branch is different. The pakiaka are the same."
The Whakaata Māori board are expected to begin recruitment for the next kaihautū immediately.
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