“National MP, Katherine Rich, has contradicted herself on the TVNZ Bill by publicly criticising amendments that she did not oppose in the Commerce Committee, and that her party voted for on a previous occasion”, said David Cunliffe, MP for Titirangi.

In media statements reported today the National MP has criticised the inclusion of spiritual and ethical issues in the TVNZ charter although she did not oppose them in the Commerce Committee. National MPs voted in favour of the identical amendments in the recent Radio New Zealand charter review.

“It is disappointing to see Members of Parliament reinventing themselves on such important issues simply to grab a headline. I thought Katherine Rich was better than that but perhaps I was mistaken”, Mr Cunliffe said today.

Although the committee was tied along party lines on whether to recommend that the Bill be passed, the committee agreed on a broad ranging number of amendments which will be in the Bill returned to the House. These have the support of the Minister and are expected to gain a majority in parliament.

“I personally consider it very appropriate that the charter of New Zealand’s public television broadcaster includes reference to the diversity of ethical and spiritual perspectives that make up our great country and culture”, David Cunliffe MP for Titirangi said today.

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