Tvnz Tokenism Belittles Maori Says Peters

New Zealand First has described the appointment of a Maori “programme policeman” by TVNZ as a gross insult to all New Zealanders and Maori in particular.

This follows the appointment of a new senior manager to TVNZ to integrate Maori awareness and issues in line with the state broadcaster’s objectives “to ensure in its programmes and programme planning the participation of Maori and the presence of a significance Maori voice”.

Rt Hon Winston Peters said today that the appointment reeked of the maternalistic political correctness that was eating away at the foundations of New Zealand society.

“If this position has any merit, why is the Government spending $170 million on a Maori television channel?

“TVNZ must treat all New Zealanders equally. It should not be appointing staff on the basis of race and its reasons for doing this are spurious to say the least.

“Maori don’t need this nonsense. They are mainstream New Zealanders and should be treated as such in matters of staffing and programmes.

“TVNZ should concentrate on lifting its programme standards rather than following the Government’s separatist agenda,” said Mr Peters.

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