29th October 1999
For immediate release
IRONY IN RICK ELLIS' COMMENTS
Mauri Pacific Leader Tau Henare said if Television New Zealand wanted political support for digitising its network, it
should've showed a fairer hand to all political leaders not just the main ones.
Mr Henare was commenting on an article in today's NBR where TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis said he had been exploring
the options of digital television and had a proposal for a joint venture that needed his "political masters" to give it
the go-ahead.
"If they need our support then I would've thought it was in their interests to make sure all the political leaders get a
fair go on their network, especially considering how boring Tuesday's televised debate was," he said.
"Both television channels are guilty of sanitising voters choices.
"Tuesday's debacle shows just how bereft of leadership this country is and viewers have a right to know there are better
options," said Mr Henare.
ENDS
Inquiries to Reuben Wharawhara, Press Secretary: (04) 471 9170 or 025 477 984