The AFTA party: The Aotearoa Film and TV Awards

Interesting to see the way Aotearoa is being used more and more as an alternative name for New Zealand. Tonight was the first 'Aotearoa Film and TV awards' organised by collective of TV channels and the Screen Directors Guild.  The Republican Movement is not campaigning to change New Zealand's name but we do use Aotearoa in our official name to celebrate of New Zealand's cultural and geographic traditions. The debate over having our own head of state is in part about National identity so we are always interested in other parallel debates over the flag, the national anthem and geographic names. Of course the use of Aotearoa is partly because it spells AFTA (like winning a Bafta only not as prestigious?) but it also represents the increasing use of the name in celebrations and in recognition of our place in the Pacific. I am part of the Film and TV industry myself so I welcome the change professionally as well. An award from the industry (and not branded with a corporate name like the Qantas Media Awards or the Vodafone Music Awards) is a better way to honour the people working in NZ. Long may the AFTA's continue.