Transmission began on 28 March 2004 on free-to-air digital and UHF frequencies. In 2001, the Government confirmed its intention to establish a Māori television channel, and the Māori Television Service Act was passed in 2003.
The principal function of service is to promote te reo Māori me nga tikanga Māori (Māori language, culture and heritage) through provision of a high-quality, cost-effective Māori television service, in both Māori and English, which informs, educates and entertains, and in doing so enriches New Zealand's society, culture and heritage.
Television programme funding is provided by Te Māngai Pāho through direct funding to Māori Television (for in-house production and acquisitions), and through contestable funding to other broadcasters and independent production houses (for programmes destined for Māori Television or the other national networks).
Its sister channel, Te Reo, was launched on 25 March 2008.
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