McCully queries Maori TV expenses

By AUDREY YOUNG

National MP Murray McCully says he will grill officials from the Maori development ministry Te Puni Kokiri at a select committee today about expenditure so far on the Maori Television Service.

Just over $1.42 million was spent on the service between October 2001 and August 2002, Mr McCully was told by Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia in response to a written question.

"One would assume we might have something to show for it," Mr McCully said.

But there was no on-air date, no decision as to whether it would broadcast on UHF or VHF - "no plan, just a whole lot of bills".

He was especially concerned at more than $400,000 being paid for contract workers.

"It suggests that some people are doing rather nicely but the people who are supposed to get the service the taxpayer is paying for are yet to receive any service - or any indication of whether they are getting one."

The breakdown of MTS costs is as follows:

* Directors fees: $292,893

* Wages: $147,237

* Overseas travel: $32,295

* Domestic travel: $173,843

* Contract workers: $474,665

* Consultancy fees: $15,581

* Legal fees: $157,659

* Miscellaneous expenses: $7945

* Rent: $40,690

* Maintenance: $9223

* Telecoms line rental: $7583

* Telecoms usage charge: $9390

* Postage, couriers, freight: $1833

* Recruitment expenses: $2275

* Facsimile charges: $824

* Computer charges: $34,488

* Stationery: $13,974

* Asset purchases: $7522


Mr McCully said he would take advantage of Te Puni Kokiri's appearing before the Maori Affairs select committee today on other matters to ask about the television service.

Further reading
Feature: Maori TV