6 Sep 2013

Labour keeps up pressure over Maori TV boss

6:31 am on 6 September 2013

The Labour Party is putting more pressure on the Government to investigate the appointment of a new chief executive for Maori Television.

Communications spokesperson Clare Curran on Thursday used question time in Parliament to ask Finance Minister Bill English about the leading candidate for the job.

She asked if he was aware that Paora Maxwell was not considered suitable for the position by the recruitment company engaged to oversee the process, and was not included on the shortlist.

Ms Curran said that decision was overturned by Mr English's close friend and chair of the board of directors of Maori Television, Georgina Te Heuheu.

She went on to ask if Maori Television's recruitment methods met Bill English's test for an appropriate appointment process.

In response, Mr English said he's been told the correct procedures have been followed.

Meanwhile, Maori Party co-leader, Te Ururoa Flavell, is attacking Labour, saying it has jeopardised the process for selecting a CEO for Maori Television.

He said it was not fair that statements relating to a candidate's background were discussed in the House protected by the powers of parliamentary privilege.