Maori TV hits back over Cup 'affront'

Maori TV chief Jim Mather says his channel's bid for Rugby World Cup broadcasting rights has wider meaning for Maori beyond the television industry. Photo / Dean Purcell

Maori TV chief executive Jim Mather says the channel will continue to fight the Government for the rights to screen the Rugby World Cup, and will use money from wealthy iwi and corporate groups to outbid it.

The Government's last-minute financial backing of a rival TVNZ bid was an "affront to Maori", he said.

Iwi and Maori organisations had already offered financial support, as had "significant corporates".

It was a much wider issue for Maori than just the television rights.

"What is on the line here is Maori aspiration and positioning in New Zealand in 2009 and beyond."

Mr Mather said Maori Television still had a "serious and credible" bid before the International Rugby Board, and was prepared to raise it if needed.

IRB spokesman Ross Young said the board would be open to increased bids.

The Herald understands the Government's concern about Maori TV's coverage relates to fears about small crowds at the tournament, already expected to make a $40 million loss.

The Government and Rugby Union can make money only from ticket sales, and are worried about how these would be affected without the hype TVNZ can generate.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman said he was hopeful Maori TV could be part of the TVNZ led "consortium" bid, under which TVNZ and TV3 would broadcast the best games.

But Mr Mather said this was "throwing Maori TV the crumbs" and there was little chance of it being involved. The value to Maori TV was in having the exclusive rights, requiring viewers to switch over, rather than staying behind the major networks.

Maori TV learned about the Government's "consortium" bid through news reports, and Dr Coleman was being "presumptive" to think Maori TV would be involved.

"It is deliberately structured to be wholly untenable and unattractive for Maori TV."

Mr Mather said its bid had been "kneecapped" by National ministers who had passed "commercially confident information" about its bid so TVNZ could outbid it. He refused to name the ministers.

* The Government's plan

- TVNZ leads bid to show the 16 most important games live and free-to-air, backed by Government money.

- TVNZ will show six games - two of the All Blacks' pool games, the semi-finals, final, and third/fourth play-off.

- TV3, which has put up some of its own money, will show six games - the two other All Blacks pool games, the semi-finals, final and third/fourth play-off.

If it wants, Maori TV can put up money and simulcast the games TVNZ and TV3 are showing. It can also show the balance of the 16 games that the networks do not want.

Source: Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman. (He did not say who would screen the All Blacks' quarter-final, but said all All Blacks games would be available on TVNZ or TV3.)