A group of MPs has challenged Maori Television over how it's managed to build up a financial reserve of $15 million.
Maori Affairs Select Committee chair Tau Henare said he's amazed by the size of the fund.
While not making an appeal for more money, the head of the channel, Jim Mather, said Government funding for the broadcaster has been static for five years.
He said it was prudent to save the cash over the nine years that Maori Television has been on air, because it'll need to spend the money.
Mr Mather told politicians that there are priorities around maintaining infrastructure, multi-media development and digital archiving.
Mr Mather said they expect to start dipping into the reserves in a few years time.
Tau Henare has asked the broadcaster to report back with a breakdown of how the reserves have built up over the years.
Members of the select committee also applauded the efforts of staff at Maori Television.
Independent MP, Brendan Horan, remarked that the service has been given a microlight and managed to fly to the moon.
