Authorised by
Clare Curran,
132 Hillside Road,
South Dunedin
News
| NZ on Air back in spotlight |
| The role of NZ on Air is back in the spotlight with intense public scrutiny expected over the appointment of its new chair, and questions about its ability to perform its statutory functions being raised, says Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Clare Curran. “A briefing to new Broadcasting Minister by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage has warned that commercial imperatives driving the two main television networks mean NZ on Air won’t meet its public service obligations. “NZ on Air has come under heavy criticism in recent weeks over concerns that it opened itself up to political interference,” Clare Curran said. “This was after it was revealed the agency’s deputy chair, Stephen McElrea, who also happens to be John Key’s electorate chair, had complained to the board and the CEO over the timing of a TV3 documentary on child poverty that aired before the election. “As the current NZ on Air chair, Neil Walter, is now confirmed to be stepping down, the choice of his replacement will come under heavy scrutiny. “John Key has already stepped into the fray, backing his Mr McElrea’s position in NZ on Air and insisting there was no conflict of interest in his complaints to the CEO,” Clare Curran said. “With emerging difficulties for NZ on Air to meet its statutory obligations, and rising concerns that its contestable funding model is under strain, the appointment is of particular importance. “The main television channels are already advertiser and ratings driven, a reality which makes it increasingly difficult for NZ on Air to deliver diverse local content. “With the demise of Stratos and the impending closure of TVNZ7, the numbers of public broadcasting channels capable of airing quality content have all but disappeared. “This makes the good management and success of NZ on Air essential, and any suggestion of politicisation must be closely monitored,” Clare Curran said. |
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| Adams’ ICT intentions shrouded in secrecy |
| Extraordinary secrecy surrounds decisions new Information Technology Minister Amy Adams faces in the next six months, calling into question her judgement and her Government’s arrogance and lack of transparency, says Labour’s ICT spokesperson Clare Curran. “The briefing paper provided by the Ministry of Economic Development to Amy Adams has large tracts withheld on key issues in the portfolio, including all the pending decisions and action required in the next six months,” Clare Curran said. “These issues have a bearing on New Zealand’s economic future, and on the extent to which New Zealand will be divided by those who have increased access to faster broadband and those who don’t. Decisions are also to be made on allocation of 4G wireless frequencies, or spectrum, which have the potential to transform New Zealand’s future. “What is so sensitive about these issues that much of the advice and information from the Ministry has to be withheld,” Clare Curran said. “How can the industry be informed about the direction and priority-setting of the new minister, and how can the public be reassured that vested interests with special access to the Government will not be favoured in its decision-making processes “Amy Adams is treating her portfolio as if it contains state secrets,” Clare Curran said. “Her predecessor Steven Joyce maintained an arrogant and unresponsive approach to the public, and now it appears to many industry stakeholders that Amy Adams may do the same. “When you make something secret you should have a good reason. Taxpayer money funds this work. The public must be reassured that decisions being made by this Minister are not favouring commercial interests over the public good,” Clare Curran said. Contact: Clare Curran 021 2421813 |
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| MPs Send a Sober Message to Youth |
| Tuesday 1 February 2011 For the month of February 2011 Dunedin South MP Clare Curran and a team of Labour MPs will join the New Zealand Drug and Alcohol Foundation to fundraise for youth afflicted with Drug and Alcohol addiction. The campaign is called FebFast, and those who register commit to 28 Alcohol-free days to raise awareness and funds for organisations which aim to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol-related issues on young people. Funds raised will go to four recipient organisations across New Zealand, namely, • Amplify! Programme run by Odyssey House (Auckland) • Adventure Therapy at Waipuna (Christchurch) • He Taumata Toa – Growing Champions (Wellington) • Mirror Services (Dunedin). The Labour team is off to a promising start with $1,505.00 raised already, making it the top team to register so far. To support Clare and the Labour team by donating online please visit the personalised fundraising page linked below. If you would like to donate cash please call 04) 8179906. If you are interested in in participating or registering a team go to http://febfast.org.nz/ or call 04 802 6367. Spread the word and let as many people know as possible. |
| Read more: http://febfast.org.nz/ |
| Youth MP Selected for Dunedin South Electorate |
| Dunedin South MP Clare Curran is proud to announce that Talia Ellison of Queens High School has been appointed as Youth MP for Dunedin South. Talia was selected following a speech competition at the Performing Arts Centre in South Dunedin. Each of the four high schools in the electorate, Kings, Bayfield, Taieri and Queens High Schools were invited to select a candidate. Candidates spoke of why they would be the best choice for the electorate. Talia’s passions stood out as she addressed the issues that concerned her. Of Kai Tahu, Ngati Toa and Te Ati Awa Iwi, she showed her keen awareness of social justice issues and a willingness to get involved. She spoke passionately about young people and education. Talia says; "that if she had time to talk about just one thing at Parliament it would be young people and education. There needs to be good alternatives for young people who don’t fit into main stream schooling. Everyone deserves the chance to get the skills they need to contribute to society in meaningful ways and get a descent job." Talia is excited about going to Wellington and really looking forward to seeing how Parliament works. The Youth Parliament sits on 6 and 7 July. A full programme has been organised including a debate in the chamber and select committee meetings. Talia is looking forward to the chance to represent the young people of Dunedin South electorate at the youth parliament. "She will retain her position as youth MP for 6 months and be my eyes and ears in the Dunedin South electorate keeping me in touch with issues affecting young people", Ms Curran said. "I believe Talia will make a powerful contribution to the 2010 youth parliament and is a strong role model for young people in Dunedin South ." |
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| Youth Parliament 6&7 July 2010 |
| Youth Parliament 2010 is an opportunity for young New Zealanders to learn about New Zealand’s democracy and influence public decision-making. Youth Parliament has been held every three years since 1994. The next Youth Parliament is coming up in July 2010. Young people from around New Zealand are chosen by their local (electorate or list) Member of Parliament (MP) to be a Youth Member of Parliament (Youth MP). During Youth Parliament, Youth MPs have the opportunity to debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask parliamentary questions of Cabinet Ministers. Meanwhile, their Youth Press Gallery colleagues report on their activities and make sure they are held accountable to the public. Youth Parliament 2010 is as real as possible. Government personnel and procedures are maintained. Clare will announce her Youth MP on Friday 26th March following a speech competition with candidates from local schools. |
| Read more: http://www.myd.govt.nz/have-your-say/youth-parliament/index.html |