Media Release
29 January 2003
NZ First Questions MTV Spending
New Zealand First has questioned whether the increased spending on Maori television will actually benefit those that it
is aimed at.
Maori Affairs spokesperson Bill Gudgeon said today that the money would have been better spent on creating jobs,
improving education, health and housing initiatives.
“It is all very well for the Prime Minister to say there is a lot of good material in the can and for the Minister to
boast about enriching the fabric of New Zealand but the fact is that this announcement today will not improve the lot of
Maori in any way.
“The fabric that is spoken of is looking tattered and torn and the money should have been used to repair it in a more
practical way. New Zealand would be in a far better situation than what we are in now.”
Mr Gudgeon also pointed out that the channel was a mixed blessing because many homes would go into debt to have UHF
aerials to receive the service.
“I would also question the quality of the programmes that might be shown. Would education across a broad spectrum be
included?
“New Zealand First is concerned that taxpayers money is not being used in area where its spending will benefit the whole
nation and that the outcome would reflect a vibrant and positive economy and society,” Mr Gudgeon said.
ENDS