Kris

FAAFOI

Broadcasting Spokesperson
27 March 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

New CEO nothing for Maori TV to celebrate

Paora Maxwell’s appointment as Maori Television boss is National Party cronyism at its worst, Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Kris Faafoi says.

“The appointment process has had a bad smell about it from day one.

“Mr Maxwell’s departure from TVNZ was shrouded in controversy, yet today he’s been ensconced as top dog at Maori Television, largely due to the string-pulling of Maori TV’s chairwoman and former National Party MP Georgina te Heuheu..

“Not only that, but the Maori Party has been critical of key figures within the organisation and the direction of its news and current affairs operation for some time.

“Add those together and the words ‘independent broadcasting’ don’t really fit into the mix.

“Maori Television celebrates its 10th year tomorrow.

“Unfortunately Paora Maxwell’s appointment is nothing for public broadcasting to celebrate.”

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