It’s no secret that Chris Lilley‘s ‘Jonah From Tonga‘ series pushed things to their extreme limits in terms of characterisation, but one TV network has now decided that the series isn’t fit to air.
Maori Television in New Zealand has officially pulled the series from its lineup, citing the fact that the show perpetuates “negative stereotypes” of Pacific islander people.
The show, a co-production between the ABC and HBO, first aired on Australian TV in May of 2014; a standalone series following the exploits of Lilley’s Jonah Takalua character that he first introduced in 2007 through ‘Summer Heights High.’
The NZ Government-owned Maori Television was set to screen the series, putting an episode to air on Thursday night. But after the board became aware of the content, the decision was made to pull the show.
Georgina te Heuheu, chair of the broadcaster, stated that the show does not align with the values of the network, which carries a heavy emphasis on respecting all communities.
“We are a Maori media outlet with our own standards, and a mandate to protect and promote the Maori language and culture.”
“This means that as a leading indigenous broadcaster we have a responsibility to present all cultures with a degree of respect and aroha not least those of our Pacific whanaunga.”
The show was criticised heavily by the Tongan community after its original airing, with other media outlets slamming Lilley’s decision to use blackface in the show, attracting calls that the series was “quite blatantly racist.”
A replacement program, ‘Te Taumata Kapahaka‘, will air in its place on Maori TV this Thursday.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
