10 April 2006

PlunketLine move a new Government low

Plans to replace New Zealand's valued PlunketLine phone service with one owed by a US telephone company amount to a new low by this Government, the Green Party says.

"Surely the government should be giving priority to a grass roots New Zealand organisation with a century of experience behind it, which is trusted by New Zealand parents, rather than a foreign-owned telephone company," Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

"Does this Government have no commitment to supporting grass roots New Zealand organisations rather than American corporations?

"While the US-owned company may offer a comprehensive service and slick call centres, Plunket is an organisation that is rooted in our communities and which understands the needs of ordinary New Zealand parents.

"Plunket is a unique, New Zealand community-based service, and the large numbers of parents who have used PlunketLine over the past 12 years show that it is working," Ms Kedgley says.

ENDS

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