Labour Politicians Buy A New TV Channel With The Taxpayer's Money

Saturday 19th May 2001

Spending at least $29 million on a new Government-owned Maori language television channel is a waste of money, ACT Broadcasting Spokesman MP Penny Webster said today.

"Thanks to the Government, TVNZ is in absolute disarray. Yet Labour is shamelessly announcing their plans to waste millions setting up another channel. This new Maori TV station is an extremely costly example of PC gesturing.

"New Zealand already has a wealth of privately-owned organisations that promote Te Reo and Tikanga Maori. Look at Tu Mai and Mana Maori Media Network, and the dozens of smaller radio stations and publications. And both TVNZ and the CanWest channels already do an excellent job at providing a balance of programmes in, and about, Maori. In fact, Sky broadcast rugby simultaneously in Maori.

"Given the condition of Maori health and education, this Government's priorities are all wrong. Labour couldn't find any extra money for community services cards, but when it comes to PC gesturing, they are delighted to spend boundless amounts of taxpayer money.

"Instead of wasting $29 million on a brand-new state channel, the Government could actually do get to more of the required audience by providing subtitles for Shortland Street.

"Yet again, the Government has put PC tokenism ahead of common sense. And people will vote with their remotes," Penny Webster said.

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