Hon Georgina te Heuheu National Party Broadcasting Spokeswoman John Key National Party Finance Spokesman

23 November 2005

National welcomes TVNZ inquiry

National Party MPs Georgina te Heuheu and John Key have welcomed the release of the terms of reference for the finance and expenditure select committee's inquiry into TVNZ.

Mrs te Heuheu says she is pleased that what she hopes will be a robust and thorough inquiry can now begin.

"Labour initially said this review was not necessary but they are very much mistaken.

"TVNZ is an important public asset. The confidence in the management of that asset has been shaken and I think that we, as taxpaying shareholders, deserve to know what's going wrong."

John Key, National Party Finance spokesman and select committee member, says he expects the committee will seek evidence from a wide group of key people.

"If some of those people refuse to appear, then I expect to seek the support of select committee members and the Speaker to subpoena them."

There are a number of issues the National Party will ask questions about, including:

· Board governance - alleged political interference · Management - the Fraser/Ralston contracts · Staff - Wood/Bailey/Holmes · Financial Position - dividend/value/ratings/advertising/charter

"It's important we get this review completed quickly to avoid further disruption and damage to staff morale at the state broadcaster," the MPs say.

ENDS

© Scoop Media