Government World Cup broadcasting backdown

Maori TV facing RWC bid competition

New Maori TV-led rugby bid likely

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The Government has pulled out of funding a counter-offer by TVNZ and TV3 to scupper Maori Television's bid for the free-to-air broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup.

In the latest twist to the saga, Prime Minister John Key confirmed this afternoon that the Government would no longer be backing a separate bid by the two rival broadcasters for the rights to 16 live free-to-air games.

"Our preferred option would be to have one bid on the table, led by MTS, with TV1 and TV3 playing a role," Key said.

"I think there is every chance of that being achieved."

The compromise, which is being thrashed out at a meeting in Auckland this afternoon between MTS, TVNZ, and TV3, appears to involve MTS as the lead bidder, with the other channels picking up some delayed TV rights to some of the games.

The result is a win for the Maori Party and represents an embarrassing back-down by the Government just a day after revelations it was backing a counter-bid.

"It has not been a good process on our side, but you learn from the experience," Key said.

"It's certainly not in New Zealand's interests to have a bidding war, it might be in the IRB's (International Rugby Board's) interest.

"We are very hopeful a successful outcome can be achieved and progress can be made."

Dr Sharples said the meeting was being held to find a way to put together a joint bid led by MTS but guaranteeing TVNZ and TV3 the same entitlements they sought in their separate bid.

"Our expectation is that there will be only one bid on the table and it will be a Maori (Television) led-bid and it will be subbed (sub-contracted) out to other groups as well."

Dr Sharples said today's development was a win for his party and Mr Key admitted that his ministers' handling was not the best.

There was a lack of coherence and ministers should have got together to thrash out a single approach, he said.

"I think the Maori Party has played a really important leadership role here. Pita's been very keen to see a good outcome both for the Rugby World Cup tournament, for all New Zealanders and actually for the Maori culture as we use this Rugby World Cup and Maoridom to deliver a world class event."

- with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News