ACT New Zealand MP and former Minister of Broadcasting Sir Roger Douglas today slammed John Key's unprecedented interference in TVNZ's bid for the Rugby World Cup screening rights as bordering on Muldoonism.

ACT New Zealand Finance Spokesman Sir Roger Douglas today called for the immediate divestment of Television New Zealand and the Maori Television Service to the people of New Zealand, following the Government’s decision to waste even more taxpayer dollars in the Rugby World Cup money-go-round.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today said that he was shocked to learn that TV3 had cancelled the all-Leaders' debate following National Leader John Key agreeing with Prime Minister Helen Clark to boycott the debate.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today said that no investor in New Zealand is safe from the Labour-led Government - it stole property rights from Telecom shareholders, investors in Auckland Airport and there is now a threat to SKY TV from State-owned TVNZ.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today that the decision by the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee to inquire into TVNZ was significant for two reasons.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today that he had written to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee asking for an inquiry into TVNZ's disastrous performance.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide has renewed his call to privatize TVNZ, saying that taxpayer money is being wasted and politicians aren't capable of running the business efficiently.

ACT leader Rodney Hide said today that the festering sore of TVNZ's political shenanigans and mismanagement should be properly addressed.

23 March 2005 Helena Catt
Electoral Commission
Level 6
Greenock House
The Terrace
WELLINGTON