PM rejects World Cup TV bid racism claims

PM John Key (centre) with All Blacks Richie McCaw (L) and Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

Maori Party suggestions that concern over the Maori Television Service bid for Rugby World Cup free-to-air coverage has racist undertones have been rejected by Prime Minister John Key.

MP Te Ururoa Flavell said that "misinformation, mischief-making and an appeal to racial prejudice" had fuelled the debate.

He hoped fair-minded Kiwis would see there was a "fair degree of sour grapes" on the part of other channels that had bid.

Mr Key said the issue was that Te Puni Kokiri had to show why spending money on the Maori TV bid was the best use of that money - thought to be $3 million.

He said that because public money was involved, he was entitled to expect that 100 per cent of the country would be able to see the free-to-air screenings.

Mr Key said in Wellington yesterday that he had conveyed that 100 per cent expectation to the office of Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples this week.

"I am confident my expectations will be met," Mr Key said.

Asked if he thought the response to news of the bid was racist, he said: " I don't think so. It has come from Te Puni Kokiri's baseline so it is important that they lay out their case as to why this is the best use of that money.

"I'm not saying it is not. They've probably got a very sound case, it's just I haven't seen that case yet."

Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Leith Comer yesterday declined to comment, referring all questions to Dr Sharples' office.

Dr Sharples said the rights to screen the rugby would provide an opportunity to "showcase Maori business interests instead of the ordinary ads".

It would also involve work with his economic taskforce and Te Taura Whiri, the Maori Language Commission.

"I think it's quite clear that Te Puni Kokiri is, in fact, buying a package deal of programming that will wrap around the rugby broadcasts, during the two years of build-up as well as the live games.

"That programming will help and encourage all viewers to use Maori words and phrases in everyday conversation, for example, and celebrate the contribution that Maori make to New Zealand's economy, society, culture and arts."

Dr Sharples agreed that coverage should reach the whole country.

Mr Flavell said that the contract between Maori Television and Te Puni Kokiri was not a grant or a subsidy but a purchase agreement.

"If the Maori Television Service bid is successful, it will trigger a contract whereby MTS will deliver certain outcomes to Te Puni Kokiri over the next three years."

TVNZ had enjoyed tens of millions of dollars in grants and subsidies from the taxpayer.

Sky, TV One and TV3 put in a joint bid, with no reference to MTS, but their bid was rejected.

Sky won the right for pay television coverage. MTS then put in its bid and TV One and TV3 have since lodged new bids.

Mr Key said he had no concerns that Act leader Rodney Hide had criticised taxpayer funding of the MTS bid and that National's two support parties were opposed on the issue.