The Labour Party is to lay a formal complaint with state broadcaster TVNZ over a promo featuring Finance Minister Bill English.
Labour says Mr English has breached the Cabinet Manual by appearing in the advert shown on TVNZ channels for an upcoming series on the economy on TVNZ 7.
Labour believes the promo looks like a party political broadcast.
Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe says there is a clear perception of a conflict of interest as Mr English is one of TVNZ's shareholding ministers.
He also wants Mr English to spell out what changes he made to the TVNZ supplied script for the promo.
Mr Cunliffe says he has spoken to a senior executive at TVNZ who has refused to suspend the promo, which he estimates is worth about $1 million in advertising.
He says the only remedy now would be for him to front a similar advert in the name of balance.
English defends promo
Mr English says he does not see the promo as a personal political advertisement, but rather a chance to educate the public.
He says he is happy to help promote a well-informed debate about the economy, given all of the challenges currently facing New Zealanders.
Mr English and TVNZ defended the promo, with the minister saying he thinks it looks quite good.
