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Thursday, 20 December, 2012

TV3 Invites New Zealanders to Debate the Issues That Matter with ’The Vote’

MediaWorks TV is inviting Kiwis to have their say on the issues of the day, with brand new primetime current affairs show The Vote, coming to TV3 in 2013.

Hosted by Duncan Garner and Guyon Espiner, The Vote will be a monthly series of entertaining and informative national debates on the big issues facing New Zealanders.

In what may be a first for current affairs television in New Zealand, the debates will take place in theatres with audience participation, including voting. Viewers at home will be invited to take part, by having their say and voting online.

The Vote will see Duncan and Guyon lead opposing teams of leading New Zealanders in a bid to win over both those present in the theatre and the television audience.

Duncan Garner says: "Nothing quite like this has been tried before. We think it will bring New Zealanders together in a huge open forum, provoking arguments in every living room. It's going to be seat-of-the-pants stuff - serious and seriously fun at the same time."

Guyon Espiner says: "A debate show where we tackle the issues New Zealanders are talking about - that's great. Add in a bit of humour, drama and a competitive edge - that's even better. But to do it on a brand new TV show in primetime is unique and very exciting. This is going to be a whole lot of fun for us to do and for viewers to watch."

The Vote will be produced by TV3’s News and Current Affairs division with funding from NZ On Air. It will screen once every four weeks in the same timeslot as 3rd Degree, TV3’s new one-hour current affairs programme.

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>>