Georgina te Heuheu - National Party Broadcasting spokeswoman

1 November 2005

What will Mr Fraser's $300,000 buy?

National's Broadcasting spokeswoman, Georgina te Heuheu, says Steve Maharey can mince his words all he likes, but there is no denying that Ian Fraser's $300,000 payment for six months worth of "odd jobs" is a golden handshake.

"It's a golden handshake by any measure."

On radio this morning the Broadcasting Minister confirmed Mr Fraser will remain on the TVNZ payroll for six months.

Mr Maharey claims Mr Fraser is required to give six months notice.

"Mr Fraser was appointed at a time when the Government was very conscious about golden handshakes," says Mrs te Heuheu.

"Given that, why was he still offered a contract with a six-month notice period should he resign?

"This golden handshake will leave the taxpayer out of pocket to the tune of at least $300,000.

"What precisely will Mr Fraser will be doing for this salary? Odd jobs?

"And will the taxpayer be expected to foot the bill for two chief executive salaries for some of that time?

"This bungling is costing the taxpayer in terms of lost advertising revenue and in terms of big executive pay packets.

"Will Mr Fraser's gilt-edged exit deal allow him to become eligible for TVNZ's lucrative superannuation scheme as suggested today?

"If so, this becomes a payout of more than $400,000. If there is more on top of that the Government should come clean now," says Mrs te Heuheu.

ENDS

© Scoop Media