Finally an election debate worth watching
Tune into Triangle Television or Stratos Television at 8.30pm tonight for a high quality election debate between the
minor parties.
David Beatson, a doyen of current affairs in New Zealand, will make his return to television and moderate this face-off
between The Greens, Maori Party, Progressive, United Future and Act.
Chief executive Jim Blackman promises this debate will be of a very high standard and address real issues of importance
to the New Zealand public.
“This debate will be a milestone in New Zealand politics. David is a master moderator and will ensure all parties have
the opportunity to voice their issues of concern without it turning into a noisy cat-fight to win votes,” he says.
“This is a chance for New Zealanders to make an informed decision on the upcoming election. The aggression of previous
debates will be removed and the public will see each politician taking their role seriously, realistically looking at
how they can work together on significant policies.”
Beatson will be remembered by many viewers for presenting and interviewing on television news and current affairs like
Compass, Gallery, Eyewitness News and Foreign Correspondent. He was editor of The Listener for five years and later
chairman of NZ On Air for six years.
Beatson says his return to the small screen will be an interesting challenge.
“Viewers need third party leaders’ debates to evaluate what they have to offer – as well as head-to-head debates between
the major party leaders on the major networks,” he says.
Triangle Auckland is on UHF Channels 41, 42 and 52 and in the Wellington area UHF Channels 40 and 41. Triangle
Television is now also available to Christchurch viewers via TelstraClear cable (Channel 50).
The debate can also be seen on Triangle’s sister channel Stratos Television, which broadcasts nationwide via Sky Digital
(Channel 89) and Freeview (Channel 21).
ends