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

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