NZ Rugby World Cup Fans the Poor Cousins

The government was quick to host the announcement of the All Blacks World Cup team, but they don’t care that many New Zealanders will not see the games live and free to air, says New Zealand First.

“Kiwis will be looking enviously at our Australian and British cousins who will enjoy live, free to air coverage throughout the World Cup and wonder why we can’t have the same,” says New Zealand First Sport and Recreation Spokesperson Clayton Mitchell.

“Australia and the UK are legally bound to provide free, live broadcasts of selected sports events but, despite taxpayer funded state television, this is not legislated for in New Zealand. Indeed, the National government scoffs at the suggestion.

“Many New Zealanders can’t afford to pay for a subscription to private broadcaster Sky to watch our national teams and athletes compete. It’s clearly for the privileged few,” says Mr Mitchell.

“Pay TV penetration in New Zealand is only about 50%. That leaves a lot of All Black fans, young and old, out of luck over the next few weeks.

“It’s not just depriving sports fans it’s national teams and athletes who miss out on the opportunity to promote their sport to the national audience.

“It’s time the government stopped expecting Kiwis’ to pay to watch their sporting heroes and allowed New Zealanders the right to watch these matches for free,” says Mr Mitchell.

New Zealand First has a bill waiting for introduction to Parliament to amend the Broadcasting Act and require free live coverage of significant sports events.

ENDS

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