[3] The organisation was established and is retained under the commitment of successive Governments to broadcasting rights under the Treaty of Waitangi, and recognises the Māori language as a taonga (or treasure} that must be actively protected and supported.

The programme covers news of national significance that relates to a specifically Māori audience.

The programme broadcasts on TVNZ 1 at 3:55 pm, and is repeated with subtitles at 1 am and 5:35 am the following day, and is available online through live streaming and on-demand services.

Until the end of 2014, the TVNZ Māori and Pacific department operated primarily to produce programmes that have received Te Māngai Pāho funding.

It operates as Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori, the Iwi Radio Network, currently chaired by former Alliance MP Willie Jackson.

These stations update listeners on iwi news and events, and promote Māori language and culture.