What is the Govt Doing for the World Cup?

Friday 8 Mar 2002 Richard Prebble Press Releases -- Economy

ACT Leader Richard Prebble asked tonight: "What are Trevor Mallard and the Labour Government doing to ensure New Zealand hosts rugby's World Cup?

"The Labour Government has spent millions of dollars of taxpayers' money backing the Americas Cup, which is only being raced in Auckland. The rugby World Cup, by contrast, is our national game and is supposed to be bringing test match rugby to stadiums that would normally never see this class of game.

"I want to make it clear that it is ACT's policy that Government spending should really go on core Government functions like law and order, health and education - and we favour lower taxes.

"Having said that though, I have to note that this Government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on Maori TV, the arts, Closing the Gaps and a yacht race - but is completely indifferent to the opportunity of the country to have the World Cup for our national game.

"The question I'm asking Mr Mallard is: How does the Government justify the lack of action on behalf of rugby?

"If rugby does lose the World Cup, what did he do to prevent it?" Richard Prebble said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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