Pare Hauraki iwi and NZME are now working together to ensure broadcasters at Radio Hauraki pronounce the show's name correctly.
In July, a former employee of the station accused the company of instructing its employees to deliberately mispronounce the name for branding and marketing purposes. NZME management disputed these accusations.
Iwi spokesperson Korohere Ngapo says the incorrect pronunciation of the name Radio Hauraki could soon be a thing of the past.
“Yes, the station's name is Radio Hauraki, but we will not back down from this discussion. I saw a strong desire by management to want to get it right.”
Pare Hauraki representatives met with NZME management yesterday to discuss options moving forward to build the correct pronunciation of the radio station's name.
Ngapo says, “If we don't do something about this now, nothing will ever change. They seem to understand and grasp our perspective. I think this is a good start because we are now talking. In the past, we haven't had the chance to sit down together.”
NZME Group director Dean Buchanan says following the meeting, NZME and Pare Hauraki have an excellent connection, and NZME is looking forward to working closely with the iwi.
“I told them that it's not just about the name, and for them to understand that we welcome them learning a bit more about our history and culture,” says Ngapo.
A date for NZME staff to learn about Ngā Pare o Hauraki at a workshop has yet to be set.