2. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Communications
What reports has he received on financing improvements to New Zealand’s broadband network?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Communications) Link to this
Yes, I saw reported yesterday in the Dunedin newspaper The Star, Katherine Rich proposing Government investment in broadband infrastructure in Dunedin—siding with her leader, John Key, against Bill English and Maurice Williamson, who oppose the other leader’s initiative.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes, in the same report in The Star Katherine Rich again backed John Key, saying that National would commit taxpayers’ funds before key decisions with industry have taken place, thus contradicting Mr English, who says: “We wouldn’t favour investing as anything other than a last ditch thing.”, and who “doubts the ability of local or central government to manage broadband investment.” I understand there are more such delicious contradictions in the pipeline, and I undertake to keep the House fully informed in the next session.