1993 saw the first publication
of this non-government
funded magazine, Mana.
There are other
Maori publications out there,
but they are owned
by government agencies.
But that independence
has come at cost.
Who pays for it?
That's the question we need
to resolve during our recess.
The 117th and final edition of Mana
due to hit the shelves next week
will mark Maori Television's
10th birthday,
and much like Maori TV,
Mana boast many significant
Maori stories and causes
from around the country.
But it's just not enough.
Despite their having
an audited readership
of around 100,000,
typically one person
would buy the magazine,
and then that same copy
is shared among 10 or 20 others.
With the digital era taking over,
it begs the question;
are magazines still relevant?
We will soon see.
That's why we're taking a break,
to ask that question.
He says they expect
to be in recess for four months
with every intention
of making a return.
Peata Melbourne, Te Karere.
