29th October 1999

For immediate release

IRONY IN RICK ELLIS' COMMENTS

Mauri Pacific Leader Tau Henare said if Television New Zealand wanted political support for digitising its network, it should've showed a fairer hand to all political leaders not just the main ones.

Mr Henare was commenting on an article in today's NBR where TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis said he had been exploring the options of digital television and had a proposal for a joint venture that needed his "political masters" to give it the go-ahead.

"If they need our support then I would've thought it was in their interests to make sure all the political leaders get a fair go on their network, especially considering how boring Tuesday's televised debate was," he said.

"Both television channels are guilty of sanitising voters choices.

"Tuesday's debacle shows just how bereft of leadership this country is and viewers have a right to know there are better options," said Mr Henare.

ENDS

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