Katherine Rich

National Broadcasting Spokesperson

20 May 2002

SSC Report still doesn't answer questions

"The State Services Commission report into the hiring of Millennium People only confirms that the 'bunch of amateurs' are more likely to be on the Board of Maori Television Service and Te Puni Kokiri," says National's Broadcasting spokesperson Katherine Rich.

"It is disturbing that the Maori Television Board didn't release their minutes to the inquiry. The Chair was unsure whether it was the Board or a sub-board that made the decision to hire Millennium People. This is a very important question that the minutes should be able to answer - that's if they even exist.

"There seemed to be no clear or defined process for how Millennium People were selected as the recruitment firm, nor is there a clear idea of what MTS were looking for in a Human Resources firm, or a prospective CEO.

"It is also very unprofessional for MTS to give only oral briefings to Human Resource firms, rather than a written outline of their requirements.

"The whole situation is murky and unclear. The State Services Commission didn't get to see the MTS Board's minutes, and Millennium People themselves weren't interviewed.

"All contractual arrangements for MTS were made through Te Puni Kokiri. The Ministry, and its Minister Parekura Horomia must therefore take responsibility for this debacle," said Mrs Rich.

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