Māori Television Service

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The Māori Television Service is a state sector organisation in New Zealand that was established on May 7, 2003 under the Māori Television Service (Te Aratuku Whakāta Irirangi Māori) Act 2003 to replace the Te Reo Māori Television Trust (Te Awhiorangi). The service's function under Section 8 of the Act is to 'promote te reo Māori me nga tikanga Māori through the provision of a high quality, cost-effective Māori television service, in both Māori and English, that informs, educates, and entertains a broad viewing audience, and, in doing so, enriches New Zealand's society, culture, and heritage.'

Māori Television is available on the UHF band to approximately four-fifths of Māori speakers, and to all of New Zealand via SKY Television's satellite service. It will also be available on the upcoming FreeView.

Like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the television service has, according to the State Services Commission, an unusual status in that it is 'a stand alone agency within the State sector that does not fall under any State sector category'.