Pacific Media Network and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples are proud to announce the successful applicants of the first round of the Moana Reo Media Fund, to support media projects in Pacific languages in Aotearoa.
The Fund opened on 26 August to encourage ideas that utilised and embraced Pacific languages across a variety of platforms. The Fund also aims to build the skills, capabilities and experience of young Pacific creatives.
16 applications have been offered funding of $1.1 million across the three categories, covering 10 Pacific languages and multiple media formats. 70% of the projects also involve strong leadership or involvement of young Pacific creatives. There were a total of 247 eligible applications with a total of $20.7 million requested.
The successful applicants are:
Polōketi fakailoga - Signature Project
Ma e tau fuata - Youth Audience
Porokaramu tukeke - Diverse Projects
Pacific Media Network (PMN) CEO Don Mann says the volume of applications speaks strongly to the needs of the community to see more Pacific content.
“We know through our work that Pacific people are calling out for a wider range of Pacific content that is both embedded in language and culture, and can bring us forward into the future.
"We see the work that we do here at PMN as enablers to nurture Pacific voices and talent, empowering the next wave of media and creative language leaders.
“The assessment team have carefully weighed their decisions to ensure a broad range of projects are supported. While the fund is for a maximum two-year period, our strategic focus is to ensure we continue to enable pathways for content that is founded on language and culture.”
Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says, “We understand the power of media to share stories in fresh, engaging ways and how vital it is for Pacific youth to see their languages and cultures proudly reflected on screen and through music.
"Celebrating and uplifting Pacific languages is at the heart of Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ work, and this Fund is a key part of advancing the goals of the Pacific Languages Strategy 2022-2032.
“It’s also encouraging to see so many projects creating opportunities for young Pacific creatives to gain experience and skills that will set them up for success in this industry and beyond. We look forward to seeing the final media products in 2025.”
The final round of the Moana Reo Media Fund will open mid-2025.