Newspaper investigations into Maori Television chief executive John Davy reveal similar disturbing findings to inquiries by ACT New Zealand, Broadcasting Spokesman MP Penny Webster said today.

"When John Davy's surprising appointment was made last month, I pointed out that no information was available about 'First Nation' radio or television in Canada where Mr Davy had supposedly worked. There was certainly no information on any role Mr Davy may have had with any service of that name.

"Exhaustive searches on the internet and inquiries with Canadian officials reveal that if 'First Nation' does actually exist, it is a very, very small radio station.

"Today's revelations regarding the veracity of other claims by Mr Davy make the matter far more serious.

"It appears that, as with Sovereign Yachts, the Government has failed to do its research properly.

"It is becoming apparent that the Government is wasting public cash without even cursory checks. Given that taxpayers are opposed to the creation of a separate Maori television service in the first place, that is very frightening," Mrs Webster said.

ENDS

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