Political Management in National as disconnected as Destiny Church

Papers show battle for the RWC rights
Papers released today reveal the extent of political infighting over Maori Television's (MTS) bid for the 2011 Rugby World Cup free-to-air television rights. Papers released to NZPA under the Official Information Act show MTS put up a bid only when invited to by the International Rugby Board (IRB), and that ministers were notified.

Bizarre isn’t it, the corporate news media can not throw themselves fast enough on John Ley’s lap in singing his praises after one year and have completely ignored his inept political management. That’s not surprising, when the public broadcaster is prepared to hand out a million dollars worth of free political party broadcasting it gives you an idea of the bias and muted criticism that has enveloped the corporate news media since National won last year.

Richard Worth’s sacking fiasco, Melissa Lee’s byelection fiasco and now the RWC fiasco, note how all the ministers were aware of this which goes against the original manner in which National sought to spin it which was that sneaky Sharples had pulled a fast one on all of them.

Key has cut a long term deal with the Maori Party to keep his big blue broad based tent erected in the National Party plantation, McCully and English see John’s new mates as handling the hangi and doing that lovely singing welcome thing they do, not erect rugby posts and buy the broadcasting rights.

McCully and English see the relationship for what it is, the perception of moderation, Key on the other hand wants to be the next Holyoake and needs a long term partner, Maori TV becoming the new public broadcaster after TVNZ is privatized post 2011 is a platform for that long term relationship.

This RWC fiasco shows the power struggle which is occurring within the ideological vacuum that is John Key’s leadership as the hard right faction demand faster privatization. Key however knows he has to create the mechanisms for mass privatization to be implemented post 2011, not before it because NZers won’t trust him if National start flogging the country off to their corporate chums too quickly.