Clayton Mitchell MP
Spokesperson for Sports and Recreation
21 MARCH 2017
LABOUR LET’S DOWN KEEN SPORTS FANS ON LIVE COVERAGE
New Zealand First is challenging the Labour Party to support free to air, live sports coverage of big games to support
working New Zealanders who cannot afford to pay a subscription to Sky.
“But Labour is indicating its forsaking these working Kiwis, and Seniors, and will not support our Broadcasting (Games
of National Significance) Amendment Bill which comes before Parliament tomorrow,” says New Zealand First Sport and
Recreation Spokesperson Clayton Mitchell.
“The founders of the Labour Party would be aghast that today’s members of Parliament will not back a bill that restores
fairness.
“Many people cannot afford the monthly payments for a Sky subscriptions to watch their countrymen and women perform at
top level.
“After all, it was taxpayers who built state broadcasting, it is taxpayers who provide much of the funding for
performance athletes and put hundreds of millions of dollars a year into sport and recreation through local government.
“The very least all parties could do is support the bill to select committee, and listen to what the public has to say,”
says Mr Mitchell.
ENDS