Audrey Young has identified yet another example of John Key’s double standards for decision making processes.
As Rugby World Cup spokesperson I know that the IRB will be delighted that Pita Sharples has bid the price of free to air cover for the last sixteen matches up by the $3m subsidy he has given to Maori TV from TPK funding – apparently with no Cabinet process whatsoever.
And how many people will miss out seeing it free to air because it isn’t on a mainstream channel?
Is this a priority for spending of TPK money – I would have thought it could have been better spent on job creation, apprenticeships etc, and ask what was the process he followed.
And if there is a spare $3m in government coffers for subsidising the Rugby World Cup whether it would have been better spent on developing the languishing volunteer programme, or getting the rugby ball promotion to another six world capitals or developing a decent business legacy programme – all of which were live possibilities two years ago.
What does this mean for broadcasting policy. If I was TVNZ or TV3 I would be really grumpy. This was meant to be an even playing field. I changed the charter funding arrangements for TVNZ following their Olympic rort. And now Sharples as a Minister gives MTS massive support.
It appears that once again Key is failing to hold his Ministers to account and implement fair, open processes. Stupid decisions result.
Update Now told by normally reliable source that full value of the TPK subsidy closer to $6m. How much spare cash do they have?
Russell, Labour were quite prepared to spend $700 million on a waterfront stadium – which I supported. That money could also have been used directly in health, education or other business inititatives. But I could see that there would be positive spin offs from this once in a lifetime type event. And I’m not a great rugby fan.
$3 million to advance Maori initiatives via the RWC could be value for money in much the same way.
[...] not Cabinet) to subsidise the Maori TV bid for the rights to RWC. I’ve blogged previously on the issue and the spin
Deleted. offensive. If you want to comment, think about what you’re writing. Clare
Deleted. Borderline offensive. You might want to re-write this. Clare
Right now it should be your birthday Trevor. This is the best opportunity Labour has had to target Gerry Brownlee, Murray McCully, Bill English and Jonathan Coleman. So many weak links of National Party lined up in a row!!!
Re-reading your first posting in this thread, it seems to me that you read this one incorrectly.
John Key and Pita Sharples head to head on TV and smiling.
Machiavelli McCully looking and sounding like the hollow man again. English and Brownlee typically caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Coleman in a panic it seems.
Is Annette King going to continue to lead the charge on this one. She did VERY well with it today!
Yes Peter certainly looks better than Coleman or McCully now – though I don’t think anyone has been covered in glory.
McCully is a…He is the only politican I have ever received a rude letter from.