After eight years as the Kaihautū of Whakaata Māori, Shane Taurima is resigning at the end of 2026.
On Tuesday, he told Whakaata Māori staff that leading them was the greatest privilege of his executive career.
“Over recent weeks, I’ve had to think carefully of my own future and where I want to make my next contribution. It’s been a difficult decision, but it’s a decision I have made.
“Thank you for trusting me in this role, thank you for challenging me, thank you for walking with me, and thank you for everything you give to this kaupapa and continue to give.
“I came here for six months; it turned into eight and a half years. A very long eight and a half years, but an amazing eight and a half years. This place has given me far more than I ever expected when I first walked through that door”
Having been in Broadcasting for over 30 years, the former presenter is taking a bow to become the Pou Matua - Group Chief Executive at Tū Ātea in February 2027.
Taurima told staff the mission and kaupapa of Whakaata Māori is not owned by anyone but rather entrusted to be looked after for short periods of time.
“Our responsibility is to carry it as well as we can, strengthen it while it’s in our hands, and eventually pass it on. That’s how I think about my responsibility now, cause I’m not going anywhere today.
“We have important mahi ahead, and I want Whakaata Māori to be in the strongest possible position when I eventually walk out the door,” he said.
Taurima saw massive change in his time as Kaihautū, seeing the transition from Māori Television to Whakaata Māori, as well as celebrating the media company’s 20th anniversary, and transitioning the company into a new digital era.
On top of his duties as the Chief Executive of Whakaata Māori, he is also the Chairperson of the World Indigenous Broadcasting Network.
A search for the new Kaihautū is underway immediately by the Board, according to a Whakaata Māori spokesperson.
