The 2019 Mokuola Honua Symposium focused on discussions and formulating strategies of language revitalization and normalization efforts through 4 thematic strands of society; Education, Policy and Government, Media and Business. On Wednesday, November 20th 2019, a series of presenters shared some of their unique language efforts in these specific language domains. Dr. Hinurewa Poutu presented on Māori language media strategies and progress.

Dr. Hinurewa Poutu (PhD) joined Māori Television in January 2019 as Tāhuhu Reo – Director of Language & Culture. Raised in a family passionate about language revitalisation, she was educated through kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori and wharekura. Her media career began as a presenter followed by work as a language consultant and advisor in productions. Hinurewa has previously served as a Māori Language Commissioner with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission). She is also a facilitator at Kura Whakarauora, a language planning initiative that supports families and communities to develop their own language plans. She is a graduate of Te Panekiretanga o te Reo (Institute of Excellence in the Māori Language) and holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from Massey University where she researched the role of youth in Māori language revival efforts.