Broadcasting Allocations Disappointing

Tariana Turia - Co-leader, Maori Party

The Maori Party appreciates the gesture of support evident in the decision by the Electoral Commission to award $125,000 in funding, and seven minutes in total time, for the Broadcasting allocation.

“Two polls announced over the weekend, the Marae Digipoll, and a Massey University survey which indicated that 11% of all voters were likely to vote for the Maori Party, demonstrate the high level of interest that the Maori Party is attracting across the nation”.

“Given these exciting poll results, and the current demographic profile that Maori comprise 15% of the population, we had expected that we would receive more than 4% of the total broadcasting allocation”.

“However, although it is at best conservative, we also appreciate any funding that will assist in being able to share our vision with the peoples of Aotearoa”

“The Maori Party remains committed to an electoral strategy which places priority on the concept of ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’, (face to face), as the key way of bringing the party to the people”.

“We know that $125,000 probably only buys us a couple of minutes of TV airtime while conversations across the country give us an important chance to listen to views which may influence the future direction of this nation”

It is an opportunity that our candidates are keen to begin as soon as possible”.

© Scoop Media

Denniston Announcement: Coal Mine Gains Access Approval

Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced his approval under the Crown Minerals Act for an access agreement for Bathurst Resources for its Escarpment Mining Project on the Denniston Plateau, near Westport.

“This approval is for an open-cast mine on 106 hectares of the 2026 hectares that comprise the Denniston Plateau. This area is not National Park, nor Conservation Park nor does it have any particular reserve status...

“The loss of conservation values is compensated by a $22 million package by Bathurst Resources. This will fund pest and predator control over 25,000 hectares of the Heaphy River catchment in the Kahurangi National Park, 4,500 hectares on and around the Denniston Plateau, as well as for historic projects on the Plateau itself. This is More>>