Behind the Story is taking a break over summer. We’ll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here’s one of our favourites from 2024:

The Spinoff’s new Ātea editor Liam Rātana started in his role on Monday May 27. On the Thursday of that week, there were nationwide protests against government policies affecting Māori, as well as the release of the coalition government’s first budget. Rātana jumped straight in, writing a number of stories including a feature on the protests that looked more broadly at Māori activism and asked: Is protesting still the most effective way to bring about lasting change?

It’s a compelling read, presenting the views of those who favour different methods of lobbying, and is a strong indication of how Liam approaches his work – with a curious mind and an interest in hearing out all perspectives. Liam joins Madeleine Chapman on Behind the Story to talk te ao Māori reporting and his quest to develop more Māori print journalists.

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