The idea that Maori and Moriori culture is at least as relevent as Western European or American is important. It probably mirrors changes in attitude across New Zealand in the last twenty years. All secondary education takes place on the mainland , and many families are split, since many seek work in New Zealand. This reduces any cultural isolation there may be on the islands. Television is relatively undeveloped, due to the distance from New Zealand.
Radio is available with a suitable aerial.
Records and CDs are only available for purchase on the mainland,and there is clearly not a large market on the island for recorded music. This might indicate that changing fashions in popular music may not reach this remote spot. My visit to the Chatham Islands suggest that although suppressed by European rule, oral traditions, particularly those of the Maori have survived to a significant degree. The local singing group, by reviving Maori traditions for public performance is an attempt to redress the balance. European and American influence was, of course, very noticeable, and written sources suggest this started from the moment ships arrived in the 1840s, spurred on by the desire to trade.