Labour cultural affairs spokesperson Judith Tizard said that once again, Cultural and Heritage Minister Marie Hasler has
abused the political process by making key board appointments within three months of an election without consultation
with other parties.
Her comments follow new appointments to the board of the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.
"The Cabinet Office Manual notes that the practice has been for restraint to be applied in relation to significant
appointments from approximately three months before a general election. Labour expect the National Government to follow
that practice," Judith Tizard said.
"Yet once again there was absolutely no consultation on these appointments with the Opposition. This comes hard on the
heels of the appointment to the Chair of Creative New Zealand.
"I have no concern with the quality and experience of the new board members but I am furious that the Government is
showing such disregard for proper processes in key appointments.
"It appears to be a deliberate attempt to prevent the incoming Labour Government from appointing people who share our
vision for the future of important cultural institutions like Creative New Zealand and Te Papa," Judith Tizard said.