Wednesday 7th July 1999
Richard Prebble
Media Release

A local parade featuring stilt walkers, children's entertainers, community groups, a band, a piper and the "Queen" in a Rolls Royce will wind through Wellington at lunchtime today, concluding at the steps of Parliament.

The parade celebrates the opening of Wellington's new television channel - Channel 7.

The "Queen" will present an outsized invitation to Wellington Central MP Richard Prebble to officially open the channel on Saturday night.

"This is a day for celebration," Mr Prebble said. "I congratulate Jim Cross and all those who have worked so hard to give our city our own television service."

"Regional TV is the newest media phenomenon. Regional television stations in the South Island have proved very popular as New Zealanders revolt against the Auckland-dominated main channels.

"People want to see their own city and local issues on TV. Each regional channel has quickly developed its own personality reflecting the city that operates it. Some regional channels are now drawing up to 25% of the viewers at various times of day. I believe Channel 7 will be just as effective.

"As local MP I've worked to assist Channel 7 and know they've surmounted incredible bureaucratic barriers. I congratulate them on their achievement."

ENDS

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