Esther Pavihi, Lead Producer for BCN, speaking at PCBL's CEO & GM Conference in 2023. Source: PCBL
In November 2023, New Zealand On Air announced a partnership with Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) whereby a $1.9 million contestable fund was created for the collaborative production and discovery of Pacific stories that would pair New Zealand Pacific producers and Pacific broadcasters as co-producers. The first-of-its-kind Aotearoa Pacific Regional Media Fund initiative would enable an exchange of knowledge, skills and culture within each team.
The ‘Expression of Interest’ received a phenomenal response with the final 10 teams being selected to contest for funding. February 7th saw the first of three virtual fonos that 10 of PCBL’s broadcasting partners attended alongside their New Zealand based producers, in preparation for applications to be created and submitted for consideration. Of these 10, six will be selected for funding.
PCBL is proud to announce the 10 Pacific broadcasters that are pitching stories for co-production with their New Zealand based Pacific producers:
- Araura TV (Aitutaki, Cook Islands), Lead Producer: Nick Henry
- Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, Lead Producer: Esther Pavihi
- Cook Islands Television, Lead Producer: Mareva Cameron
- Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, Lead Producer: Amelia Rigsby
- Mai TV (Fiji), Lead Producer: Stanley Simpson
- Samoa TV1, Lead Producer: Mai Roebeck
- Telekom TV (Solomon Islands), Lead Producer: Elizabeth Osifelo
- Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Lead Producer: Sharon Elone
- TV3 Samoa, Lead Producer: Pule Puleina
- Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation, Lead Producer: Moses Willie
“Being able to champion Pasifika Storytelling with this initiative has highlighted the importance of Story Sovereignty in both Aotearoa and the Pacific. NZ On Air are delighted to walk alongside these talented creatives and look forward to the wonderful content outcomes” said Nicole Rex, Project Lead for NZ On Air.
At the end of February these Pacific broadcasters will travel to New Zealand for a two day in-person workshop. It will provide guidance on the creation of their project pitches and an opportunity for them to meet the NZ based Pacific producers they will be partnering with to refine their proposals.
“This initiative complements the work we do with Pacific broadcasters in the region. We provide equipment and training, and NZ On Air has provided an opportunity for them to master their craft,” said Natasha Meleisea, CEO of PCBL. “Everyone involved is excited to see what these co-production partnerships can create. There are a wealth of stories in the Pacific just waiting to be told, and who better to tell them than the Pacific?”
