Clare
CURRAN
Communications and IT Spokesperson

4th February 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Choose consumers over Chorus, Mr Key

Chorus’s deliberate delay tactics with the Commerce Commission are a blow to Kiwi consumers and must be condemned by the Government, says Clare Curran.

Chorus’s submission to the Commerce Commission signalled it will request a full review of the costs of its copper broadband services, potentially delaying a ruling that could affect services to consumers and the profits of other telecommunications companies.

Clare Curran says: “Chorus has already received preferential treatment by this Government for the ultra-fast broadband roll out. Labour opposed UFB being exempt from the regulations designed to protect consumers and will strongly oppose any further attempts by Chorus to undermine the Commerce Commission’s ability to do its job.

“John Key has already signalled he will legislate to stop the Commission’s proposed price determination for fear it would further slow the dismal uptake of UFB so far. He and his Ministers need to start listening to the consumers not just their corporate buddies.

“The New Zealand telecommunications market has long been skewed against the interests of household consumers. To become a truly modern country we have to acknowledge the importance of digital access and formulate policy to assist this.

“Our current Government seems to be committed to propping up commercial interests over the public good by subsidising and protecting the interests of a few big players such as Chorus.

“What happened to letting competition in the market set the playing field rather than political game playing?”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>