Friday 26th July

Labour Government Destroys Business

Statement from Millennium People

“Millennium People became a pawn in a political game played out by two callous politicians, Cullen and Clark. Our successful business has been destroyed as a result,” Director Wayne Ball said today

“We have always been keen to tell our side of the story but remain bound by a confidentiality clause in our contract with the Maori Television Service Board and Te Puni Kokiri.

Clark and Cullen made destructive comments about our business without any knowledge of the sound reputation the company has amongst many government departments. We believe the comments they made such as “rank amateurs” showed a lack of prudent and fair judgment that ultimately resulted in the destruction of our business. Clark and Cullen’s actions as prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner were designed to create a political scapegoat to take the heat off others who were ultimately responsible for Davy’s appointment.

Natural justice was never applied to Millennium People by the government. This was further demonstrated by the farcical inquiries completed without any input from us. We were never asked for factual information despite offering to assist inquires.

Since the statements made by Clark and Cullen, all our government work has ceased. Some senior public servants informed us that the government will not take kindly to those who use our services. Effectively we have been black listed.

We had an unblemished and credible record of successful recruitment in the government sector until the Davy affair. We stand by our sound reputation of recruiting good people to key positions.

We want to make it clear that we were not responsible for employing Mr Davy. The Maori Television Service Board, Ministry of Maori Development (Te Puni Kokiri), State Services Commission and the Minister of Maori Affairs had significant responsibilities in the appointment process. They all failed to front up, take responsibility and be held accountable for not following prudent and standard processes.

This government cannot say that it supports business or Maori business development given that it has actively destroyed a growing and successful business. The Ministry of Maori Development (Te Puni Kokiri) responsible for Maori economic growth and development, yet again has failed to meet its obligations to “accelerate Maori development”. Due to the government’s reckless comments and behaviour, we have been forced to make our staff redundant and shut down.

Above all, this whole affair has caused us, our former staff, families’ and friends unnecessary distress. We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support we continue to receive from family, friends, clients and candidates.

We are saddened at the impact the Davy affair has had on Maori Television as we continue to be strong advocates for Maori television.

So why are we speaking up now? On 27 July New Zealanders will be voting for the next government. The New Zealand public has a right to know the truth about this Labour government which in this situation has not practiced natural justice, fair process and public accountability. Their policy of working with and assisting businesses only applies at their discretion. We have been unfairly faced with the full might of a government that was willing to target and sacrifice a business to deflect any criticism from the other parties who were culpable in this affair.

We do not want anyone else to go through what we have been through. We believe that all political parties must condemn this type of political heavy handedness and inappropriate behaviour.”

Ends

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